Of all the illustrious works of music tied to Christmas, perhaps none lies as close to people’s hearts as Handel’s Messiah. Composed at lightning speed in 1741, the legendary oratorio with its unforgettable Hallelujah Chorus continues to bring audiences to their feet more than 250 years later.

Many feel their Christmas experience is incomplete without a performance of Messiah. And there is no better site to witness Handel’s tour de force than at Sydney Opera House with the collective forces of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, including the Messiah Choir.

Australian conductor Brad Cohen has made a name for himself overseas conducting opera, touring chamber works and recording the Chandos label. He has most recently been seen as a mentor on the highly successful BBC2 television series Maestro and returns especially to Australia for these performances.

Join Australia’s largest choral organisation and a special guest conductor for its traditional end-of-year spectacular and the climax of its 90th anniversary season.