Acclaimed Sunshine Coast ensemble, Oriana Choir, will launch the festive season with two concert presentations of Handel’s beloved masterpiece, Messiah. 

Conducted by Andrew Wailes, the events will be held 2pm November 25 at the Goodlife Community Centre, Buderim and 3pm November 26 at City Hall, Brisbane.

Oriana patrons will remember Andrew Wailes from acclaimed presentations of Mendelssohn’s Elijah and more recently, Mozart’s Requiem and Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass. 

Andrew is the Artistic Director of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic, which each year conducts their own iconic presentation of Messiah which has become an important part of Melbourne’s Christmas celebrations.

Performances of Handel’s Messiah will be taking place all around the world during the Christmas period and many people make an annual pilgrimage to see the work. Composed in just three weeks, Messiah has been delighting audiences for over 280 years. It is as mesmerising today as it was when, moved by the awe-inspiring ‘Hallelujah’ chorus, King George II stood to his feet and started a tradition that has continued to this day.

“Messiah is an incredibly exuberant, moving and powerful work,” said Oriana President, Melissa Innes. 

“We have been working very hard together to bring something joyful and fresh to this performance. We’re very excited to have Andrew at the helm, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience.”

For all the bookings details visit www.oriana.org.au.