Your experience begins long before the first note. Find your perfect seat and explore information about parking, dining, accessibility and shopping to make your visit seamless and memorable.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Handel’s Messiah
Dec 17-19, 2026
Overview
Be part of a quintessential holiday tradition!
Heaped with uplifting messages and intimate storytelling, Handel’s Messiah never fails to inspire. While the iconic melodies — including “For Unto Us a Child is Born” and the Hallelujah Chorus — are instantly recognizable, hearing the full oratorio performed live is an unforgettable experience. A stellar cast of soloists and the Chicago Symphony Chorus join Masaaki Suzuki, whose past Messiah performances have been lauded as “bracing and vital” (Washington Classical Review).
Program
Handel
Messiah
Performers
Paul Max Tipton
Bass-baritone
Enhance your experience
Preconcert Conversation
Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring Oliver Camacho in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.
Preconcert Dining
Explore Chicago Symphony Center’s on-site dining options for a seamless preconcert experience. Preorder a Sound Bites meal to enjoy in the Rotunda before the concert — or make a reservation to dine at the Thomas Club, offering a prix fixe menu featuring traditional American fare and a spectacular view of Lake Michigan.
Sponsors & Partners
The appearance of the Chicago Symphony Chorus has been made possible by a generous gift from The Grainger Foundation.
Inside the Music
About the music
So popular is Handel's "Messiah" that it has been called “the one great work that not only embodies a religion but is a religion itself.”
Explore more
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The Chicago Orchestra's first performances of Handel's Messiah were a collaboration with the Apollo Musical Club in December 1891 at the Auditorium Theatre.
Explore more