Handel’s Messiah in Toronto 2026

Handel’s Messiah is one of Toronto’s great December traditions, and the city has more than one way to hear it. In 2026 you can choose between a full symphonic performance at Roy Thomson Hall, a period-instrument performance at Koerner Hall, or a sing-along where the audience joins the choir at Massey Hall.

Messiah in Toronto 2026 at a glance

Performance	Dates	Venue
Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Messiah	December 15, 16, 18, 19 at 7:30 p.m.; December 20 at 3 p.m.	Roy Thomson Hall
Tafelmusik: Handel’s Messiah	December 17, 18, 19 at 7:30 p.m.	Koerner Hall
Tafelmusik: Sing-Along Messiah	December 20 at 2 p.m.	Massey Hall

Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Messiah

The TSO’s Messiah is the big, full-orchestra version, performed with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, one of Canada’s best-known choirs and a Messiah regular for generations.

• When: December 15 to 20, 2026
• Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
• Conductor: Ivor Bolton
• Soloists: Louise Alder (soprano), Deepa Johnny (mezzo-soprano), Paul Appleby (tenor) and Joshua Hopkins (baritone)

Best for: anyone who wants the grand, traditional Messiah sound.

Tafelmusik: Handel’s Messiah

Tafelmusik is Toronto’s acclaimed Baroque orchestra and choir, and it plays Messiah on period instruments, closer to how Handel’s audiences would have heard it. It’s lighter, quicker and more intimate than a symphonic performance.

• When: December 17, 18 and 19, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Koerner Hall, Royal Conservatory of Music, 273 Bloor Street West
• Director: Ivars Taurins
• Soloists: Myriam Leblanc, Cecilia Duarte, Jacob Perry and Jesse Blumberg

Best for: classical music fans and anyone curious about historically informed performance. Koerner Hall is one of the best-sounding concert halls in the country.

Tafelmusik: Sing-Along Messiah

The Sing-Along Messiah is a Toronto institution. The audience becomes the chorus, singing along with Tafelmusik’s orchestra, chamber choir and soloists. You don’t need to be a trained singer, though bringing your own score helps.

• When: Sunday, December 20, 2026 at 2 p.m.
• Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street

Best for: anyone who’s ever wanted to sing the Hallelujah chorus with a few thousand other people.

Which Messiah should you choose?

If you want…	Choose
A full symphony orchestra and large choir	Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall
A historically informed, period-instrument performance	Tafelmusik at Koerner Hall
To sing along yourself	Tafelmusik’s Sing-Along Messiah at Massey Hall

About the music

George Frideric Handel composed Messiah in 1741, and it premiered in Dublin in 1742. Although it’s now a Christmas tradition, it covers the whole Christian story, from the prophecy of Christ’s birth to the Resurrection. Its most famous moment is the “Hallelujah” chorus at the end of Part Two.

Should you stand for the Hallelujah chorus?

Many audiences traditionally stand during the “Hallelujah” chorus, a custom said to date back to early London performances. It’s optional; follow the audience around you or stay seated if you prefer.

How long is Messiah?

A full performance usually lasts around two and a half hours with an intermission. Some performances use cuts, so check the running time with the venue.

Getting there

• Roy Thomson Hall: King and Simcoe, connected to St. Andrew station.
• Koerner Hall: at the Royal Conservatory on Bloor Street West, near Museum and St. George stations.
• Massey Hall: on Shuter Street near Yonge, a short walk from Queen station.

For more seasonal music, see TSO holiday concerts, Christmas choir concerts and Christmas shows in Toronto.

Tips

• Book early. Messiah performances sell well, especially the weekend dates.
• Stand for the Hallelujah chorus if you like; it’s a long-standing tradition many Toronto audiences still follow.
• Go downtown early and see the lights at Nathan Phillips Square, a short walk from Roy Thomson Hall and Massey Hall. See Cavalcade of Lights.

More holiday music in Toronto

• Toronto Symphony Orchestra holiday concerts
• Christmas choir concerts in Toronto
• Free Christmas concerts in Toronto
• Christmas shows in Toronto 2026

Frequently asked questions

When is the TSO Messiah in 2026?

December 15, 16, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m., and December 20 at 3 p.m., at Roy Thomson Hall.

Where can I sing along to Messiah in Toronto?

At Tafelmusik’s Sing-Along Messiah at Massey Hall on Sunday, December 20, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Which Messiah should I see?

Choose the TSO for a big symphonic sound with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Tafelmusik at Koerner Hall for a period-instrument performance, or the Sing-Along for a participatory experience.