A Messiah, 2023

I am sitting in the main foyer of Hamer Hall, Melbourne Arts Centre. I am suitably (and characteristically) early for a performance of Handel’s Messiah, to be performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Chorus with soloists.

This is a family ritual—one, if not two Messiahs per Christmas, depending on my two sisters’ involvements in various choirs. I am keeping an eye out for the rest of the tribe as we all take ‘promptnesses’ a little too seriously!

This work is a monumental one. It must be, in order to sustain my love for it for over forty years—ever since learning excerpts at school. I am looking forward to hearing how this particular conductor directs the performance. They all have their own predilections which makes for delightful variety.

There is a boy outside doing tricks with a soccer ball in the hope someone will put a coin in his hat. There is a small market coming to a close along the St Kilda Road walkway towards the theatre precinct. I purchased some poffertjes, Dutch mini pancakes, with strawberries and cream. There are many people wandering along the street, more than I might have expected on a Sunday evening. That’s probably my country experience speaking.

Patrons are arriving, gently at this stage. They wander in, hoping to find a rare place to sit. The staff are yet to be run off their feet but I suspect it will come, tonight being a sell-out or thereabouts.

Inside the Hall, I imagine the Orchestra and Chorus are going through their final paces. As the anticipation builds, I notice myself looking at my watch more frequently. It will be a great night. Family, music and a first step into the very real joys that the Christmas period brings for me.

So, a happy one to you. And a special New Year. See you then.

All the best,

Kirsten