Hallelujah! It’s Messiah

A Christmas tradition in Auckland for 157 years is about to be repeated on December 17 and 18.

Auckland Choral’s performances of Handel’s Messiah are a highlight of the festive season.

And the Central Leader is giving readers the chance to experience the event – we have double passes to give away.

This year marks the 270th year since the debut performance in 1742 of Handel’s mostloved work.

Auckland Choral music director Uwe Grodd will lead the choir, baroque specialists Piper’s Sinfonia and four soloists.

Tenor Dana Wilson, a native of New Orleans, makes his New Zealand debut at the performance.

His repertoire extends from early Renaissance music to contemporary jazz. He is noted for his communicative expression and musical sensitivity.

Soprano Lauren Armishaw, a Europe-based New Zealander, is a specialist in early opera. Her voice is described as strong, clear and full of expression.

Alto Kate Spence is a graduate from Auckland University and the Queensland Conservatorium. Her recent performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor received rave reviews.

Bass David Griffiths is well known in New Zealand as a composer, singer and teacher.

Messiah has become one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.

It features drama and suspense, delicate recitative and soaring choruses to tell of the life and death of Christ.

So magnificent was the Hallelujah Chorus at the London debut of Messiah in 1742 that King George II is reputed to have risen to his feet.

Both concerts are on at 7.30pm at the Auckland Town Hall. Tickets from $59, concessions available. Book at the-edge.co.nz or call 0800 BUY TICKETS.