Handel’s Messiah 2024

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra presents Handel’s iconic Messiah for the world record 245th time since 1853. The world’s most-loved oratorio, Messiah is famous for its sparkling arias, powerful choruses, and surging climaxes (including the magnificent Hallelujah! Chorus and the equally thrilling Amen! Chorus which concludes the work).

Featuring over 120 talented musicians from the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra, the grand Town Hall organ, and a magnificent cast of outstanding Australian soloists, this concert promises to thrill as ever under the direction of Andrew Wailes – widely regarded as one of Australia’s foremost exponents of this great work.

The RMP’s annual performance of this masterpiece is a much-anticipated highlight of Melbourne’s concert calendar. Don’t miss being part of this wonderful musical tradition.

“Wailes made sure that the pace did not slacken… Wailes, who cuts a dapper, self-possessed figure on the podium, showed an impressive compulsion, driving his forces along with insistent power. It is hard to recall when this oratorio has been treated with such attention given to its dramatic potential; no singer – soloist or chorister – was given latitude to generate that fruity and orotund timbre familiar from performances of 20 years ago.” – Clive O’Connell (The Age)
Andrew Wailes, conductor
Lana Kains, soprano
Syrah Torii, mezzo soprano
Christopher Watson, tenor
Jeremy Kleeman, baritone
Peter de Jager, harpsichord
Andrew Bainbridge, chamber and grand organ

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir
Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra