Toronto’s Favourite Holiday Tradition Returns: Tafelmusik’s Messiah + Sing-Along Messiah

Join the acclaimed Baroque orchestra and choir for a festive double feature: three nights of Messiah at Koerner Hall followed by the city’s most joyous holiday sing-along at Massey Hall

TORONTO, November 11, 2025 — This December, Tafelmusik once again invites audiences to celebrate the season with two of Toronto’s most cherished musical traditions: Handel’s Messiah at Koerner Hall (December 18–20) and the exuberant Sing-Along Messiah at Massey Hall (December 21) Directed by Ivars Taurins, Tafelmusik’s acclaimed interpretations of Handel’s masterpiece have become an essential part of Toronto’s cultural calendar, uniting audiences in a spirit of joy, reflection, and community.

Handel’s Messiah has captivated audiences for centuries with its drama, poignancy, and enduring message of charity and goodwill. Presented in the style and spirit of the composer’s own productions, Tafelmusik’s performances at Koerner Hall showcase the orchestra and choir alongside an outstanding lineup of soloists: Stefanie True (soprano, Canada), Krisztina Szabó (mezzo-soprano, Hungary–Canada), Nicholas Scott (tenor, UK), and Jonathan Woody (bass-baritone, US).  For True and Scott, these performances mark their Tafelmusik debuts; Woody returns following his unforgettable 2024 performance in Alison Mackay’s Staircases.

The celebration continues with the city’s most joyful holiday tradition, Sing-Along Messiah at Massey Hall, where 2,000 voices will join together under the baton of Mr. Handel himself in full costume for a rousing, one-of-a-kind musical experience that brings Toronto together in song. Grab your score (or just your holiday spirit) and join the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, soloists Stefanie True, Krisztina Szabó, Nicholas Scott, and Jonathan Woody, and thousands of voices in a glorious sing-along that truly raises the roof.

These performances are a highlight of the holiday season, and they always sell out well in advance.

“There is truly something extraordinary about Handel’s Messiah, and it therefore comes as no surprise that people return to our performances of the work year after year,” says Ivars Taurins. “The music is at once majestic and intimately heartfelt, resonating its message of peace and goodwill. For many, it’s a cherished family tradition; for others, their first encounter with a timeless musical masterpiece. Either way, it’s an experience that leaves a profound and lasting impression. This has become a beloved Tafelmusik holiday tradition that simply cannot be missed.”

“Tafelmusik’s annual Messiah performances are a touchstone for so many, a sublime and meaningful way to launch into the holiday season,” says Cristina Zacharias, Artistic Co-Director. “Handel’s masterpiece carries us through the full expanse of human emotion through stunning arias, choruses and orchestral writing. Join us!”

Handel’s Messiah at Koerner Hall

Koerner Hall, TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning

273 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6

December 18, 2025 at 7:30 pm

December 19, 2025 at 7:30 pm

December 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm

Stefanie True, soprano

Krisztina Szabó, mezzo-soprano

Nicholas Scott, tenor

Jonathan Woody, bass-baritone

Tafelmusik Chamber Choir

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra

Directed by Ivars Taurins

Running Time: 3 hours 

Style of Music: Baroque oratorio 

Get Tickets

Tickets are now on sale from $50 at tafelmusik.org. Tickets are in high demand—book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Limited number of $30 tickets available for Tafelscene members age 35 & under.

Single tickets: use the Royal Conservatory of Music box office at (416) 408-0208, tickets@rcmusic.ca 

Subscribers: Add this concert to your series package by contacting the Tafelmusik box office at 1 (833) 964-6337 info@tafelmusik.org 

Sing-Along Messiah at Massey Hall

Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 1T7

Date: December 21, 2025 at 2pm

Stefanie True, soprano

Krisztina Szabó, mezzo-soprano

Nicholas Scott, tenor

Jonathan Woody, bass-baritone

Tafelmusik Chamber Choir

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra

Directed by Mr. Handel

Run time: 2.5 hours

Style of Music: Baroque oratorio 

Tickets are now on sale from $59.70 at tafelmusik.org. Tickets are in high demand. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Single tickets: Massey Hall box office (416) 872-4255, contactus@mh-rth.com 

Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca