Handel's Messiah is the piece New York measures its December by, and the Philharmonic hands it to Jeannette Sorrell — a Grammy-winning Baroque specialist who brings her chorus, Apollo's Singers, into David Geffen Hall. Expect high-flying arias from four soloists and choruses filling the Wu Tsai Theater across about two and a half hours. If you want the Hallelujah chorus from a full symphony orchestra rather than a period band, this is it.
What to expect
You are in the Wu Tsai Theater at David Geffen Hall for about two and a half hours including an intermission. Sorrell leads the Orchestra, Apollo's Singers and four vocal soloists through Handel's oratorio, from the tenor's opening recitative to the closing Amen. Several performances are spread across the week, with both evening and late-afternoon options.
Good to know
- David Geffen Hall faces Lincoln Center's main plaza; take the 1 to 66 St–Lincoln Center.
- Several performances run across the week, so if one is sold out check the others before giving up.
- The program lasts roughly two and a half hours including an intermission — long for young children.
- The Philharmonic runs rush and discount programs that can cut the ticket cost; check their offers page.
- Lincoln Center's plaza is busy in December, so allow extra time between the subway and your seat.
- This is a concert performance, not staged — come for the singing, not for scenery.
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Common questions
How long is the concert?
Approximately two hours and thirty minutes, including an intermission.
Who is conducting?
Jeannette Sorrell, a Grammy-winning Baroque specialist, leading the Orchestra, four vocal soloists and her chorus, Apollo's Singers.
Where exactly is it?
The Wu Tsai Theater inside David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, on the north side of the main plaza.
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