Hallelujah! Sublime to be at the Messiah – Handel’s Messiah – presented by Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town on Sunday April 20, 2025, Easter Sunday at Cape Town City Hall, accompanied by The Cape Town Philharmonic, conducted by Brandon Philips. Glorious voices by the choir and soloists: William Berger (bass), Jacobi de Villiers (alto), Elizabeth Catharina (soprano) and Jason Atherton (tenor).
Rapturous standing ovation and yes the audience stood up at the Hallelujah Chorus, as has become a tradition, for those attending Messiah. The story (unverified as far as I can see), goes that King George II stood up during the chorus at the Messiah’s 1743 London premiere. It is a rousing chorus and the audience on Sunday night was awed and delighted. There was a palpable gasp as we all stood up in City Hall. No matter one’s formal religious affiliation (or not), Handel’s music is awe inspiring. Beyond the liturgical narrative (the story of birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus), it is a story of hope and transcendence and I think that is something we can all do with right now.
What an experience to be in Cape Town City Hall. Both Messiah performances were sold out – Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Excellent security with parking on the Grand Parade opposite City Hall with its gracious façade and the Nelson Mandela sculpture on its balcony, as a beacon of hope
It was my first time attending a performance by the Philharmonia which was established in February 1967 and is regarded as one of Cape Town’s oldest choirs. It has over 120 singers.
I loved following the libretto (text) of the Messiah in the excellent hard copy programme. The oratorio is told through Old Testament and New Testament sources, with a lot of prophecies by Isaiah and much to reflect on and mull over. The Philharmonia performs the Messiah annually at Easter, so look out for it in 2026. See Facebook for video and pics of Messiah 2025: https://www.facebook.com/share/18mvLdA45M/
Make a date to experience the Philharmonia on stage in Cape Town at Cape Town City Hall:
June 21, 2025: Hadyn Nelson Mass & Mozart Coronation Mass
September 28, 2025: Mendelssohn Elijah
December 12, 13, 2025: A Philharmonia Christmas
✳ Handel’s Messiah, presented by the Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town, Cape Town City Hall, April 20, 2025. Pic: Robyn Cohen/TheCapeRobyn.
