Handel's Messiah: A Free Educational Concert for Students and Families

Free educational Handel’s Messiah concert for students, teachers, & families! OCW Chorus & Players perform live orchestral highlights.
About this Event

QUICK EVENT DETAILS

• Date: Thursday, December 10, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM (approx. 75 minutes)
• Location: Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Avenue, Ottawa
• Admission: FREE (Advance reservation required through Eventbrite)

ABOUT THE CONCERT Ottawa Choral Workshops invites students, teachers, homeschool families, and parents to a special free educational performance of Handel's Messiah highlights, featuring a large community choir, professional orchestra, and professional vocal soloists.

Designed especially for students in upper elementary, middle school, and secondary grades, this 75-minute concert offers an exciting introduction to classical music through one of the most celebrated masterpieces in the repertoire. No previous knowledge of classical music is required!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Messiah Selections: Dramatic musical highlights performed by choir, orchestra, and soloists.
• Orchestra Demonstration: An introduction to the distinctive sounds of the trumpet, timpani, harpsichord, organ, woodwinds, and strings.
• Musical Storytelling: Discovering how Handel depicts vivid emotions and stories through melody and rhythm.
• The "Hallelujah" Chorus: A thrilling live finale.
• Bilingual Commentary: Presented with spoken commentary in English and French.

Note on Content: Although Messiah is a work of sacred music, this is an educational concert focused on music appreciation, historical context, and artistic teamwork. There is no religious instruction or evangelizing.

RESERVATIONS & TICKET INSTRUCTIONS Thanks to the generous support of a private patron, admission is completely free! However, space is limited to 200 attendees, so advance booking is mandatory.

• Individual & Family Orders: Reserve 1 free ticket per person attending (including all accompanying adults, students, and children).
• School & Group Orders: Teachers and group organizers may reserve up to 50 seats in a single order.
• Voluntary Donations: Admission is 100% free and no payment is required. A voluntary freewill offering will be collected at the door for anyone wishing to support Ottawa Choral Workshops' educational outreach initiatives.

Ottawa Choral Workshops will also present two public evening performances of Handel's Messiah on Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 PM, featuring professional soloists, orchestra and chorus.

Click here to view info and purchase tickets for the full evening concerts.