Canberra crowds are notoriously tough critics, so it was no small feat for the Canberra Symphony Orchestra to elicit a well-deserved standing ovation from the majority at last night’s special presentation of Handel’s Messiah.

After near sell-out concerts two years ago, the CSO decided to reprise their performance of this uplifting masterwork, which they present at Llewellyn Hall on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June.

The brilliant CSO musicians shared the stage with 30 beautiful voices from the CSO Chorus, creating a magical harmony of glorious human voices and orchestral instruments that lift the spirits.

Their rendition of ‘The Hallelujah Chorus’, perhaps the Western world’s best known piece of choral music, was stirring and masterful.

Guest conductor Erin Helyard (artistic director and co-founder of Pinchgut Opera and the Orchestra of the Antipodes) guided a dynamic and mesmerising performance.

Soprano Jacqueline Porter was luminous, her voice pure and powerful; skilfully supported by Hannah Fraser (Alto), Robert Macfarlane (Tenor), and Christopher Hillier (Bass).

It is a triumphant production that melts cold hearts and warms mid-winter nights in Canberra.

Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s opening Special Event for 2024: Handel’s Messiah, at Llewellyn Hall, ANU 21 and 22 June 7pm; tickets csodirect.cso.org.au