Photo by Keith Saunders
Handel’s Messiah. Sydney Opera House, December 2022. Photo Keith Saunders
Christmas is a time for singing and celebration and we do it in style at Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. This year we will sing Handel’s magnificent oratorio Messiah in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall and we invite members of the community to sing in our Christmas Choir, joined on stage by members of our auditioned choirs, a professional orchestra, and world-renowned soloists; all under the baton of renowned Messiah specialist, Graham Abbott.
Graham Abbott has conducted over 75 performances of Messiah: This year he will bring his unique energy, insights and a freshness that comes from his deep love of this work.
Make this Christmas unforgettable with your live performances in the Sydney Opera House! Registration link below.
Please read and consider the following information carefully before registering for Christmas Choir.
SCHEDULE
The performances will take place on:
Commitment is key in choirs, so please ensure you can attend rehearsals. Rehearsals commence on Thursday 31 October. All rehearsals (and performances) from Saturday 8 December onwards are mandatory for Christmas Choir.
Leave from ONE non-mandatory rehearsal for illness or other urgent matters may be granted. You may apply for additional leave by emailing the Choirs Administrator at [email protected]. This leave is at the discretion of the Music Director and may not automatically be granted.
Click below to view the rehearsal schedule:
MESSIAH SCORE
This year, Christmas Choir will perform Messiah “off the book” – that is, from memory after having learned it in rehearsals.
We will use the Oxford University Press version, edited by Clifford Bartlett. Scores can be ordered as part of your registration, if required. Scores will be ready for distribution from late June.
The deadline for score orders is Monday 2 September. Registrations after this date will be BYO score only.
Scores may be purchased with registration and will be ready for distribution in August. There is a (preferrable) option to collect your score when advised from Wharf 4/5. You may opt to have it mailed to you for an additional $15 postage fee.
TEACHING TRACKS
These will be available online. You will receive a link and given access once your registration has been processed. Rehearsal CDs will not be available.
VOICE PARTS
Please note the representation of each voice range below.
There are a limited number of spots in each voice part, and some parts sell out quickly, so register early to avoid missing out. We are particularly looking for more tenors and basses – please let your friends and family know!
PERFORMANCE TICKETS
Tickets to all the performances are currently on sale via our website here: HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Once you have registered, you will be sent your exclusive Chorister Discount Code which can be used when purchasing tickets to the performance. Please note that these concerts are likely to sell out so book early!
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please read our Chorister Registration terms and conditions before registering. Click here for terms and conditions.
REGISTRATION
The deadline for registrations is Monday 21 October.
When you Register for Christmas Choir, you will be directed to a page housed by the Sydney Opera House. Sydney Philharmonia Choirs is a Resident Company of the Sydney Opera House and we share a booking system. You will need to log in or register. Your Christmas Choir registration will be received by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.
As you proceed it will look like you are buying an ‘e-ticket’ to an event, but please be assured you are registering for Christmas Choir. The 21 October date you see just refers to the registration deadline date.
Once completed, you will receive a confirmation email from Sydney Opera House.
Postage Delivery options: you need to make a selection here:
Alternatively, call us on (02) 8274 6200 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) for phone registrations.