Toowoomba Philharmonic Society Inc presents Handel’s “Messiah”

The Handel’s “Messiah” performance was at Rawson Hall last weekend, to the delight of everyone who attended. The Toowoomba Philharmonic Society had travelled to Norfolk Island with over 30 choir members, 10 orchestral performers along with their family and supporters. The Norfolk Island concerts were on Friday evening 4 December and Sunday afternoon 6 December 2025. The Handel’s “Messiah” 2025 Tour started with concerts from 29 November to 14 December 2025. These concerts includes Nanango, Toowoomba, Norfolk island and Warwick.

I attended the Friday night concert and was amazed at the sound as so many voices rejoiced in song, with Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Bass singers and Soloists. The orchestra included two Violins, Viola, Cello and Double Bass, two Oboes, Trumpet and the Continuo/Organ. They were led by an amazing very energetic conductor. The Program detailed the “Messiah” written by Handel about 360 years ago. This concert is in three parts and includes the famous “Hallelujah”.

Members of the Toowoomba Philharmonic Society were invited to speak on the Norfolk Island Radio. It was interesting hearing their passion for the music and the excitement to visit Norfolk Island. The lady I sat next to at the concert, also spoke on the radio. She was from QLD and had specially travelled to Norfolk Island to attend both Friday and the Sunday concerts. She had her honeymoon on Norfolk Island in 1999, and both herself and husband both loved the “Messiah” . She has also visited Ireland where the concert was first performed, and she had family links to the Church in Ireland.

During the Choirs stay on Norfolk Island, they enjoyed the half day tours, time at Emily Bay, and had an opportunity to sing in the St Barnabas Chapel. If you would like to hear their singing check out the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/ToowoombaPhilo

This was very special to have this amazing group visit Norfolk Island to entertain locals and visitors. Thank you, to the members of the Toowoomba Philharmonic Society for coming to Norfolk Island as part of their 2025 Tour.

Betty Matthews

12 December 2025