Handel's Messiah

Christmas in Melbourne would not be complete without this MSO tradition. For our community, the Messiah is a religious experience in more ways than one. We’ve been performing Handel’s oratorio at Christmas for more than 120 years. In Britain, choirs have been performing it every year since 1745. Now that’s a work that has not merely endured; it has prevailed!,

Handel's music possesses a remarkable ability to communicate directly, whether through melodies of tender consolation, expressions of hope and joy, or declarations of triumphant exultation.,

In 2027, the MSO will be led by the Japanese organist, harpsichordist and conductor Masaaki Suzuki, who holds a distinguished international reputation for his interpretation of Bach, Baroque and choral repertoire.,

Regardless of faith, belief or worldview - this is a sacrosanct musical experience that is both deeply personal and universally shared