For the 246th year running, Handel’s Messiah is back as a world-record-holding performance by the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic. Taking the stage is an impressive musical force—over 120 talented musicians from the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra, joined by a magnificent cast of a star-studded soloist quartet, topped with the unmistakable notes of Melbourne Town Hall’s 9,592-pipe organ.
This beloved instrument is the largest grand Romantic organ in the Southern Hemisphere, capable of everything from airy notes to powerful crescendos you feel in your chest. If there is a way to experience Messiah, this classical music concert is it.
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Messiah an oratorio
Handel’s Messiah is a Baroque oratorio composed in 1741 that tells the story of Christ’s birth, death and resurrection, using biblical text rather than staged drama. As a result, it is divided into three parts: prophecy and nativity, sacrifice and redemption, and the promise of eternal life, with the famous Hallelujah and Amen! Chorus near the end. Musically, it features bright arias, flowing strings, and expressive solos balanced with powerful choruses.
Messiah debuted in Dublin in 1742, receiving warm reception by attendees. It is perhaps the most well-known oratorio in the world, frequently scheduled at Christmas time since it celebrates the arrival of Jesus Christ. The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic has performed the German-born composer’s masterpiece every year since it was formed in 1853 and this year, they’ll play it for the 246th time, setting a new world record.
Handel’s Messiah 2025 details
Another highlight is the use of the Melbourne Town Hall grand organ, the largest grand romantic organ in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring 9,592 pipes, drums and bells. The original organ was extensively rebuilt in 1905, and the second organ was made by Hill Norman & Beard and installed in 1929 following the fire of 1925. Thanks to its varied tonal resources, it fits perfectly with the flow of Messiah, lending both powerful support and delicate textures to one of Handel’s most notable works.
The three-hour concert will be held at Melbourne Town Hall on Sunday, 7 December 2025 at 5:00 pm. Tickets cost $30 – $95 and they are selling fast. Performers include:
- Andrew Wailes, RMP chief conductor
- Sara Macliver, soprano
- Fiona Campbell, mezzo soprano
- Kyle Stegall, tenor
- David Greco, baritone
- Stefan Cassomenos, harpsichord and chamber organ
- Andrew Bainbridge, chamber and grand organ
- Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir
- Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra
Other upcoming classical music concerts
December mainly offers festive events, from annual performances to one-off shows. The Royal New Zealand Ballet brings a brand new ballet production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to the Princess Theatre from 11-23 December. The magical Christmas Candlelight concerts take place on 20 December, where string quartets take on holiday classics at popular venues, adorned with thousands of candles. What’s more, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight return to Sidney Myer on Christmas Eve.
