A limited number of printed program books will be available for $10 each at the concert.
Come to the Northern Foyer from 1pm to hear 2MBS Fine Music presenter Tom Forrester-Paton speak about Handel’s Messiah oratorio. Grab a drink at the bar and enjoy this free, 30-minute talk, with plenty of time to find your seat for the concert.
Seating is on the carpeted stairs in the Northern Foyer.
Access the Northern Foyer via the new tunnel from the Southern Foyer.
2024 Pre-Concert Talks are made possible with the support of 2MBS Fine Music.
Messiah is a work of musical inspiration and pure faith. The story goes that Handel finished the Hallelujah Chorus in tears, saying ‘I think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God himself!’ And since its triumphant first performances in Dublin in 1742, it has moved listeners just as powerfully, with its dramatic choruses and glorious solos. We return to it every other year, and yet we never tire of singing it.
For 2024 we’ve invited Graham Abbott to conduct, bringing insights born of a lifetime conducting Messiah (75 and counting) combined with a freshness that comes from his deep love for this great oratorio. This will be a ‘big’ Messiah, with all the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs joining our annual Christmas Choir, but you’re guaranteed a performance that’s as stylish and fine-tuned as it is rousing. Hallelujah!
Want to sing with us in the Christmas Choir? Registrations open in July 2024. Visit our Community Choirs page under CHOIRS for more information.
Friday 13 December | 8pm
Saturday 14 December | 1pm
Sunday 15 December | 1pm
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall
This performance will run for 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one 20-minute interval.
George Frideric HANDEL Messiah
Graham Abbott conductor
Penelope Mills soprano
Margaret Plummer mezzo-soprano
Louis Hurley tenor
Christopher Richardson bass-baritone
Symphony Chorus
Chamber Singers
VOX
Christmas Choir
Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra
Premium $135 | A $110 | B $85 | C $60 | D $45
Concessions $122 | A $96 | B $75 | C $55 | D $40
Under 30 $30
A booking fee of $8.95 per transaction applies.