Phoenix Choir’s annual Christmas concerts are a regular feature of the Blue Mountains calendar. In 2016 we welcomed back special guests Blackheath Public School senior choir, led by Jenny Lanyon, to join in a program featuring the Christmas music from Handel’s Messiah and a variety of other pieces to celebrate the season.

Messiah Christmas music

Musical Director, Rowen Fox, is preparing Phoenix Choir for a full Messiah performance on Palm Sunday 2017. As part of this preparation, our Christmas concert presented the portion of the work that focuses on the prophecy of Christ’s coming and His birth, featuring such well-known choruses as For Unto Us a Child is Born, Glory to God and His Yoke is Easy. Local mezzo-soprano Lyn Phillips and Sydney-based soprano Julie Paik performed some of Handel’s beloved arias, including He Shall Feed His Flock and Rejoice Greatly. The children’s choir joined Phoenix in And the Glory of the Lord and, as a rousing finale, the Hallelujah chorus.

Carols and other seasonal music

Another concert highlight was a smaller chamber choir performing contemporary Christmas music from the English choral tradition. The program also included old favourites such as O Holy Night, A Blessing, sung by the children’s choir, and some familiar Christmas carols for everyone to join in.

Hallelujah

The final chorus earned a standing ovation from the audience in Blackheath.  Click this link below to see the finale