HAMILTON, ON, December 2, 2025 — Like a warm hug for the soul, communities come together to create magic through music this holiday season at the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO). Hamilton’s Bach Elgar Choir (BEC) joins the HPO once again for a cherished tradition, Handel’s Messiah on December 5 and 7. Then, the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (HPYO) and Hamilton Children’s Choir (HCC) return as guest artists for ‘Tis the Season on December 13, a heartwarming holiday collaboration that keeps the audience smiling year after year.  

Tradition comes with a few twists this season: a Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along concert on December 6, a bustling market with over 50 vendors at the concert hall, and some new special guests at the holiday concert! 

  • Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 5 at 7:30 PM and Dec. 7 at 3 PM): BEC Artistic Director Alexander Cann conducts George Frideric Handel’s 1741 oratorio Messiah, renowned for its transcendent Hallelujah Chorus. These performances feature a stellar lineup of soloists: Allana Stevenson, Soprano; Hillary Tufford, Mezzo Soprano; Benjamin Butterfield, Tenor; and Alex Halliday, Bass. 
  • Handel’s Messiah Sing-along (Dec. 6 at 3 PM): Join world-class soloists and the Bach Elgar Choir in singing the choruses of Handel’s masterpiece. Those who wish to sing along will sit with their vocal section (soprano, alto, tenor, bass), while the rest of the audience enjoys from their own section. The magnificent voices resonating through the church will inspire singers and listeners alike. 
  • ‘Tis the Season (Dec. 13 at 7:30 PM): HPO Music Director James Kahane conducts holiday favorites, a carol sing-along and enchanting wintery works at HPO’s annual holiday concert with the HPYO and HCC. This year, dancers from the Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts also grace the stage for selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker! 
  • Prelude Market @ HPO (Dec. 13 from 11 AM to 5 PM and exclusive ‘Tis the Season ticket holder access from 5:30 to 7:30 PM): Holiday shopping hits the concert hall! Open to the public during the day, concertgoers enjoy exclusive access in the evening to explore over 50 vendors offering artwork, jewellery, home goods, stationery, bath and body products, ceramics, consumables and more. 

Make the season bright with the magic of live orchestra! Tickets for all events are available at hpo.org. 

Handel’s Messiah 

December 5, 2025 at 7:30 PM 
December 7, 2025 at 3 PM 
St. Catherine of Siena, Roman Catholic Church (620 Rymal Rd. E., Hamilton) 
 

Handel’s Messiah Sing-along 
December 6, 2025 at 3 PM 

Central Presbyterian Church (165 Charlton Ave. W., Hamilton) 
 

‘Tis the Season 
December 13, 2025 at 7:30 PM 
FirstOntario Concert Hall (1 Summers Ln., Hamilton) 
 

About the HPO: For 140 years, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has presented orchestral music and education programs with a mission to enrich the wellbeing of the greater Hamilton region. The HPO presents dynamic orchestral performances ranging from standard classical repertoire to popular music and world premieres by living composers. As one of Canada’s leading professional orchestras, the HPO has proudly contributed to the shaping of Hamilton’s cultural landscape.   
 
About the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Founded by Glenn Mallory in 1965, the HPYO has given the joy of orchestral music to generations of young people and has delighted thousands of audience members. This student-based symphony orchestra is the flagship education program of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Graduates of the orchestra are involved in professional and community orchestras across Canada, in the United States and in Europe. The HPYO continues Dr. Mallory’s legacy of extraordinary music education.   
 
About The Bach Elgar Choir: The Bach Elgar Choir is Hamilton’s renowned concert choir and a leader in Canadian choral music. Founded in 1905 by Bruce Carey as The Elgar Choir, and merging with the Hamilton Bach Choir in 1946, the ensemble has been a vital part of Hamilton’s musical life for 115 years. The BEC produces choral repertoire of many genres at the highest artistic standard and proudly champions Canadian music and artists. 
 

HPO Media Contacts: 

Megan Nourse 

Marketing & Strategic Initiatives Manager 
289-216-8273 
mnourse@hpo.org