The annual tradition of Handel’s Messiah took on a new feeling during the Christmas in July performance of this almost 300-year-old work in Llewellyn Hall, Canberra. Messiah is a ubiquitous part of Christmas celebrations worldwide. Normally when Australians see Messiah advertised, they’d be planning their summer holiday. But in the heart of our winter, hearing Messiah performed live made it more magical.

The Canberra Symphony Orchestra and the CSO Messiah Choir, under conductor Anthony Hunt, with soloists Chloe Lankshear (soprano), Tobias Cole (countertenor), Andrew Goodwin (tenor), and Adrian Tamburini (bass), performed this work of genius for a near capacity audience.

Andrew Goodwin and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra performing Handel’s Messiah, 2022. Photo © Martin Ollman

Even Mozart recognised the greatness of Handel’s music when he said, “Handel knows better than any of us what will make an effect”. And few works are more stimulating than Messiah.

That said, the sedate, almost mournful opening to Messiah belies what is to come. Alongside the strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion, there was a harpsichord played by the highly involved and talented Ariana Odermatt, and an on-stage organ played by Linus Lee.

The first soloist, Andrew...