Experience Handel's most celebrated masterpiece, The Messiah. This world-famous oratorio is especially prized during the Christmas period. 

An iconic masterpiece to experience live at least once

Some music is instantly recognisable. Handel's The Messiah is one of those works.

From the intimate beauty of He Was Despised to the world-famous Hallelujah chorus, The Messiah has moved audiences for almost three centuries. This winter and spring, you can experience this monumental work live in some of the Netherlands' most impressive churches and concert halls.

Whether you are already a classical music lover or simply looking for an unforgettable cultural experience while living in the Netherlands, this is one for your bucket list.

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Hear the famous Hallelujah Chorus live

There is a big difference between knowing the Hallelujah chorus and hearing it performed live by a full choir and orchestra.

The renowned Bach Choir & Orchestra of the Netherlands is one of the Netherlands' established classical ensembles, known for its expressive and dynamic performances. The orchestra performs on authentic period instruments, bringing Handel's music closer to the sound world of the 18th century.

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Together with internationally acclaimed soloists and conductor Pieter Jan Leusink, the ensemble brings Handel's masterpiece to life with clarity, energy and dramatic intensity.
Expect moments of stillness, drama and celebration - culminating in one of the most recognisable choruses in music history.

A special concert experience in the Netherlands

The concerts take place in historic churches and renowned venues across the country, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Laurenskerk in Rotterdam and Martinikerk in Groningen.

One performance is particularly unusual. On December 11, Messiah is performed in the historic fortified town of Elburg during Winter in de Vesting. The old streets and alleyways are transformed into a setting inspired by the town around 1900, making the concert part of a complete winter experience.

Musicians

• The Bach Choir & Orchestra of the Netherlands
• Olga Zinovieva, soprano
• Lilian Tong, soprano
• Aleksan Chobanov, countertenor
• Martinus Leusink, tenor
• Thilo Dahlmann, bass
• Pieter Jan Leusink, conductor

Messiah concert dates 2026–2027

• Elburg, Grote Kerk - Friday, December 11, 2026, 1.30pm
• Groningen, Martinikerk - Saturday, December 12, 2026, 3.45pm
• Leusden, AFAS Theatre - Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 7.30pm
• Zwolle, Academiehuis - Friday, December 18, 2026, 3.45pm
• Leusden, AFAS Theatre - Saturday, December 19, 2026, 3.15pm
• Nijmegen, Stevenskerk - Sunday, December 20, 2026, 4pm
• Rotterdam, Laurenskerk - Monday, December 21, 2026, 3.45pm
• Amsterdam, Concertgebouw - Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 7.30pm
• Utrecht, Jacobikerk - Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 3.45pm
• Amsterdam, Concertgebouw - Saturday, December 26, 2026, 7.30pm – Boxing Day
• Amsterdam, Concertgebouw - Sunday, December 27, 2026, 2.15pm
• Leiden, Marekerk - Monday, December 28, 2026, 3pm
• Leusden, AFAS Theatre - Saturday, March 20, 2027, 7.30pm
• Amsterdam, Concertgebouw - Sunday, March 28, 2027, 2.15pm – Easter Sunday

At the Concertgebouw, the offer applies to a tier 1 ticket including refreshments. At AFAS Theatre, the offer applies to a tier 1 ticket including free parking and refreshments.

Exclusive IamExpat ticket offer

Get more than 50 percent off when you book your tickets via IamExpat. Regular tickets for the performances of The Messiah cost 90 euros, but for IamExpat readers, there's a special price of 39,95 euros!

Prices exclude 6,95 euros in service costs per order and any applicable venue surcharge. Book your tickets!

Thumb photo: © Beleef Klassiek