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Kōrero: Choral music and choirs

The Messiah

Audio file

This poster advertises a 2013 performance of the much-loved oratorio The Messiah by the Orpheus Choir of Wellington and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Listen to the choir sing the famous 'Hallelujah chorus' from the work. Traditionally, the audience stands up during this chorus. The custom arose from a popular belief that at the London premiere of the work in 1743, King George II stood in spontaneous awe, obliging everyone else present to stand also.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra

Sound courtesy of The Orpheus Choir of Wellington. Audio recorded for broadcast by Radio New Zealand Concert

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Nancy Swarbrick, Choral music and choirs – Choirs in the 2000s, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/music/42217/the-messiah (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Nancy Swarbrick, i tāngia i te 26 July 2013.