Handel’s Messiah Sydney
Choir Resources
We have been rehearsing and performing Handel’s Messiah in Sydney every year for over 80 years. Our choir is made up of long-standing, experienced choristers, as well as new singers.
On this page we’ll add some resources that will help you learn the music, master your part, and get the most from your Messiah experience.
We love welcoming newcomers to the choir. Your level of experience is less important than your enthusiasm and willingness to participate whole-heartedly. If you can commit to weekly rehearsals from October to December, and are keen to tackle something new, then join us in our choir as we share the fun and challenge of singing Messiah together. Registrations open each July.
Choir Resources
There are lots of online resources that can help you learn and practice your part.
Click on the blue button to link to a website that has rehearsal tracks – you select the piece of music, your part (Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass), and your level of difficulty.
Then grab your score and sing along with the music. You can repeat each song as often as you need, or rewind to repeat the difficult sections.
To sing Handel’s Messiah you will need a copy of the Musical Score. We prefer our choristers to use the Prout Edition (so called because it was edited by Ebenezer Prout) – that way, we literally know that everyone is on the same page during rehearsals.
You can purchase a copy of the Score in person for $30 at any of our weekly rehearsals. Alternatively, you can shop for one at your favourite music retailer or online store. Click on the red button to go to an online store that we also use.
From time to time – especially for significant anniversaries or performances – we have recorded the Choir on CD and DVD.
Copies of these limited edition CDs and DVDs are available at all our performances and rehearsals.
From its earliest days Handel’s Messiah Sydney was presented by the combined church choirs from across Sydney.
Nowadays our choir is made of choristers who sing each week in a church choir, others who sing in community choirs, and some who only sing once a year – when we all join together to sing Handel’s famous oratorio.
For many singers, being part of a church choir allows them to connect more deeply to their music and to their faith. It is a way to practice spirituality, be part of a life-giving community, and also make friends.
Church choirs often sing a liturgical and traditional repertoire. To find a church choir near you, click on the purple link above.
Here choristers will find everything they need to know about rehearsals at St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Macquarie Street, Sydney and performances at the Sydney Town Hall.
You can print out copies of the poster detailing this information for performance publicity and send copies to your friends who might want to purchase tickets.
Click on the links below to go to the printable version of the Ticket Sales Brochure and Rehearsal Information.
Handel’s Messiah Sydney rehearses and performs on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. We acknowledge First Nations people as the original story tellers and music makers of this ancient land, and celebrate their deep connection to this country.
Radio Community Chest Incorporated (ABN 80 990 419 897) is a registered charity. Through our annual presentations of Handel’s Messiah we are committed to encouraging a love for choral music; and surpluses are used to assist the needy in our city.
© 2023 Radio Community Chest Incorporated
