Yeosu City Choir to Hold Year-End Concert on the 18th with Handel's Oratorio "Messiah"

A Year-End Epic of Emotion at Yeulmaru Grand Theater

Yeosu City in South Jeolla Province announced that the Yeosu City Choir 2025 Year-End Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. on December 18 at the GS Caltex Yeulmaru Grand Theater.

This performance will feature Handel's "Messiah," a signature year-end season repertoire and one of the world's three greatest oratorios.

'Yeosu City Choir 2025 Year-End Concert' Poster.

Every December, major concert halls across Korea stage Handel's "Messiah" in a spirit of friendly competition. This year, there are even more performances than usual, with the National Chorus of Korea presenting the work for the first time in four years and a total of seven performances scheduled in the Seoul metropolitan area alone. Amid this nationwide "Messiah" fervor, the Yeosu City Choir will present this immortal masterpiece to citizens in the Namdo region.

Top-class vocalists who are active both in Korea and abroad will appear as soloists in this concert. Soprano Han Kyungseong, mezzo-soprano Yang Songmi, tenor Kim Hyojong, and baritone Park Jungmin will each lead the narrative of the piece with their distinct voices.

In addition, the orchestra Nuove Musiche, renowned for its refined sound, will collaborate to deliver the essence of Baroque music.

Composed in 1741, Handel's "Messiah" is a grand work consisting of 53 pieces spanning approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, depicting the life of Jesus Christ. It is structured in three parts: Part I "Prophecy and Birth," Part II "Passion and Atonement," and Part III "Resurrection and Eternal Life."

In particular, the "Hallelujah" chorus in Part II is famous for the anecdote that King George II of England was so moved that he stood up during the performance. Since then, it has become a worldwide tradition for audiences to rise to their feet during this section.

Resident conductor Seo Hyungil stated, "Messiah is a work that transcends religion and conveys the universal message of human suffering, hope, and salvation. Through the Yeosu City Choir's refined and rich sound, top-tier soloists, and orchestra, we hope to deliver a moving harmony that will offer citizens warm comfort and blessings."

All tickets are priced at 5,000 won, with a 20% discount available for people with disabilities, national merit awardees, senior citizens, and students. Reservations can be made at designated outlets: Gwangmudong Yesulchong office, Yeoseodong Gaeul Bookstore, Singidong Cheongum Music Store, and Hakdong Digital World.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.