Handel’s Messiah Sydney
About Us
Since the early 1940’s we have been coming together from across Sydney to sing together the music that is known and sung all over the world.
We are now one of the largest choirs to perform in the city of Sydney each year; and each time we sing we are joined on stage by an orchestra, organist and soloists. Over the years, more than twenty thousand people have sung with us, and filled the historic Sydney Town Hall with glorious music.
You are invited to join the choir and sing with us in 2024. Experienced choristers and new singers are all welcome, as we share the fun and challenge of singing Messiah together. Registrations open each September.
Handel’s Messiah Sydney works with some exceptional (and quite wonderful!) musicians. Don’t miss an opportunity to see the performances, or be part of making it happen.
People
Conductor Timothy Chung
Timothy Chung is a well-known conductor, music educator and performer in Sydney. He has conducted ensembles such as the Sydney University Musical Society (Musical Director) Macquarie University Singers (Principal Conductor), VOX (Foundation Director) and Gondwana Young Men’s Choir (Guest Conductor). Timothy has taught music for over three decades in schools. He was the Master of Chapel Musick at Trinity Grammar School (1991-2011), Head of Music Performance at St Aloysius’ College (2013-2017), and Artistic Director at Santa Sabina College (2018-2023).
Organist Mark Quarmby
Mark Quarmby graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium studying organ under Norman Johnston and piano under Marjorie Hesse. He has given recitals throughout Australia, Europe, North America, Asia and New Zealand. For over 20 years he was associated with the music of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney, playing the organ for national live broadcasts, visits of the Queen, funerals of State governors and national memorial services. In August 2009 he was appointed Director of Music at St Stephen’s, Macquarie Street.
In Europe he has played in the Cathedrals of St Paul’s, London, Canterbury, Salisbury, Oxford, Winchester, Lichfield, Westminster Abbey plus Notre-Dame, Paris, with recitals in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France, and Holland. In 2009 he gave the opening recital of the American Guild of Organists Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, playing a whole program devoted to organ music written by Australian composers.
He has been the President of the Organ Music Society of Sydney, has served on the committee of the Royal School of Church Music (NSW) and is currently a National Director of the Organ Historical Trust of Australia and teaches piano, organ and musicianship at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and privately.
2023 Soloists
Since the inauguration of the annual presentation of “Messiah”, it has been the policy to give young and emerging singers the opportunity to sing the principal roles.
We are delighted to have these soloists performing with us this year.
Molly Ryan
2023 Soloist (Alto)
Casandra Doyle
2023 Soloist (Tenor)
Wesley Yu
Alexander Knight
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
