Handel’s Messiah emerged from the white heat of inspiration – an astonishing creative act, completed in just 24 days. The story goes that he finished the Hallelujah Chorus in tears, saying ‘I think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God himself!’ And since its first triumphant performances in Dublin in 1742 it has inspired listeners with the power and unity of its music, and its impressive portrayal of the text. Despite containing almost no storytelling, this is an oratorio that is carried by its intrinsic drama.
Messiah has become a biennial fixture in the Sydney Philharmonia concert calendar and has yet to wear out its welcome – a sure sign of a masterpiece. But 2019 marks our final performance of Messiah in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall before it closes for renovations, so join us for one ‘last hallelujah’ in what promises to be our most rousing performance yet!
Friday 13 December at 8pm
Saturday 14 December at 1pm
Sunday 15 December at 1pm
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall
Free pre-concert talk in the Northern Foyer 45 minutes prior to the concert.
Sponsored by Fine Music FM.
PROGRAM
George Frideric HANDEL Messiah
ARTISTS
Brett Weymark conductor
Celeste Lazarenko soprano
Nicholas Tolputt countertenor
Andrew Goodwin tenor
Christopher Richardson bass-baritone
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and Christmas Choir
Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra
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