#Japan #Tokyo #Suntory Hall #Bach Collegium Japan #Handel's Messiah

Experience the Joy of Handel's 'Messiah'

This Christmas season promises to be memorable with the long-anticipated performance of Handel's beloved oratorio, Messiah, by the renowned Bach Collegium Japan (BCJ) at the prestigious Suntory Hall in Tokyo. As per tradition, the concert will take place on December 24, 2025, and marks the 25th installment of this cherished annual event. For those unable to attend in person, a live online streaming option will be available, making it easy for audiences worldwide to participate in this festive celebration.

Event Details

The live concert will begin at 6:30 PM (local time), with doors opening at 5:50 PM. Attendees can expect a captivating experience featuring an awe-inspiring performance conducted by Masaaki Suzuki, the BCJ's founder and music director, who returns after a three-year hiatus. This concert is particularly special as it mirrors the festive atmosphere of Christmas with the timeless music of Handel, which narrates the life of Christ from his birth to resurrection.

The performance will showcase an exceptional lineup of soloists:

• - Joanne Lunn, Soprano
• - Reginald Mobley, Alto (Countertenor)
• - Jun Suzuki, Tenor
• - Takaoki Onishi, Bass (Baritone)

Together with the commitment of the BCJ in providing a quality choral and orchestral interpretation, this year's rendition promises to be memorable.

The Hallelujah Chorus, one of the most famous sections of the Messiah, will undoubtedly resonate beautifully in the acoustics of Suntory Hall, which has been the stage for this performance since 2001. The popularity of the oratorio has solidified its place in Christmas celebrations, much like Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

Online Streaming Access

Those looking to enjoy this performance from the comfort of their homes will be able to purchase streaming tickets starting from December 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The livestream will provide an immersive experience complete with Japanese subtitles, allowing viewers from around the globe to follow along. Additionally, a repeat broadcast will be made available from December 25 at 6:30 PM until December 30 at 11:00 PM. This offers a flexible opportunity to revisit the concert any time during this period.

Purchase your online viewing tickets through ePlus Streaming+.

Related Content

For those who want to deepen their understanding of Handel's Messiah, various resources are available online, including:

• - A lecture by Yuto Suzuki, BCJ's principal conductor, available on the official Suntory YouTube channel: Understanding Handel's Messiah.
• - An exploration of the oratorio's world featuring period instruments can be found at the channel Classic Channel: Reviving Messiah with Early Instruments.

Join us in celebrating this holiday season with Handel's masterpiece. Whether you experience it live at Suntory Hall or via online streaming, the performance of Messiah by Bach Collegium Japan is an occasion not to be missed.