NZSO announces return of popular Messiah concert

NZSO announces return of popular Messiah concert in time for Christmas

Credit: Tour Artwork

Handel’s Messiah has been synonymous with the Christmas season for generations. With its instantly recognisable ‘Hallelujah’ chorus, it is one of the most loved works in the choral repertoire, brimming with joy and hope.

The NZSO will perform Messiah on 14 December at Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre, led by eminent Australian conductor and music educator Richard Gill who recently conducted the NZSO National Youth Orchestra. Messiah features four talented soloists and the Orpheus Choir of Wellington.

Kiwi singers Anna Leese (soprano) and Teddy Tahu Rhodes (bass) return to New Zealand from their careers overseas to be joined by Australian singers James Egglestone (tenor) and Russell Harcourt (countertenor) in the solo roles.

Messiah is Handel’s most famous work. The oratorio recounts the birth, passion and resurrection of Christ with timeless spirit and vitality, progressing with a musical vision from darkness to light. Allegedly written in 24 days, this Baroque masterpiece is a pinnacle of the oratorio form and has remained popular for over 250 years.

Last year’s NZSO performance of Messiah drew high praise from Dominion Post reviewer John Button when he wrote "This performance achieved the seemingly impossible – a Messiah that revealed itself as almost a new work."

Join the NZSO for this perennial favourite and make Messiah part of your Christmas celebrations this December.

ENDS

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