Every year, those who attend the annual performance of Handel's 'Messiah' in Tauranga are moved, delighted and inspired by what is arguably one of the world's most famous musical works.

"Let yourself be captivated by the angelic melodies and harmonies with a powerful live performance of Handel's ‘Messiah'," say the organisers.

Composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, the text was compiled from the King James Bible and the Coverdale Psalter by Charles Jennens. It was first performed in Dublin on April 13 1742 and received its London premiere nearly a year later.

Handel's Messiah has been described by the early-music scholar Richard Luckett as "a commentary on [Jesus Christ's] Nativity, Passion, Resurrection and Ascension", beginning with God's promises as spoken by the prophets and ending with Christ's glorification in heaven.

Why has the Messiah stayed so popular for nearly 300 years? For one thing, Handel knew how to write a good tune, and Messiah has plenty of them, The single-most attractive quality about Messiah is its melodies.The piece is hit after hit after hit.

The rousing 'Hallelujah' Chorus is one of the most famous pieces of Baroque choral music, and by far the most widely-known section of the work.

As an annual tradition in Tauranga, this showcase of mesmerising vocal talent is the perfect way to celebrate this New Zealand Christmas.

The dramatic music is full of vivid ‘painting' and encompasses the range of human emotion, ‘the hopes and fears of all the years' – particularly relevant with recent global events.

You will hear the work presented with all the energy and lightness Handel intended in a dynamic collaboration between Scholars Baroque Aotearoa Chamber Choir and NZ Barok Orchestra as if it were conducted by Handel himself.

It is said King George II was so moved by Messiah's ‘Hallelujah Chorus' that he rose to his feet upon hearing it. For nearly three centuries crowds continue to gather to hear the sheer beauty of the music, standing to acknowledge the power of the Hallelujah.

Get along with your friends and whanau and be moved, delighted and inspired by this seventh annual performance of Handel's ‘Messiah' in Tauranga.

Scholars Baroque Aotearoa Chamber Choir and NZ Barok Orchestra will perform Handel's ‘Messiah' on Saturday, December 3, at St Mary Immaculate Church in Tauranga at 7.30pm.

Tickets: $35 adult, $30 senior, $15 student with ID are available at i-Site (103 The Strand), iticket.co.nz, by phone 0508 484 253 or as cash-only door sales until sold out.