Illustration of a carol concert scene (The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Holiday Concerts: Handel's Messiah)
Christmas Shows

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Holiday Concerts: Handel's Messiah

Audiences experience George Frideric Handel’s iconic oratorio performed by The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, vocal soloists, and The Singers choral ensemble under conductor John Butt. The three-part musical masterpiece weaves biblical texts into dramatic arias and choruses, recounting prophecies, the nativity, and the resurrection. Listeners will hear beloved classical selections, including the famous “Hallelujah” chorus.

What to Expect

Annual holiday performance featuring full chamber orchestra, guest soloists, and choir.

Event Details

Ages

Suitable for all ages, offering a wonderful musical experience for the whole family.

Organizer

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

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Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ ⚪ (3/5)

Best For

Classical music fans and families

Vibe

Majestic and festive

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Low

Weather Sensitivity

None

Location

Ordway Concert Hall
345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Saint Paul, MN
55102

Know Before You Go

  • Hours: Thursday-Saturday 7:00 PM; Sunday 2:00 PM.
  • Parking: The venue directions page offers information about nearby parking.
  • Accessibility: Accessible seating, elevators to all floors, and curbside-to-seat wheelchair transport assistance are available.

Tips & Advice

  • Request Braille programs or audio description at least a month before your performance, because both need one month's advance notice.
  • Mention any accessible-seating needs when you order through the Ticket Office, or choose seats marked accessible on the online seating map.
  • Park in the Lawson Commons or Landmark Towers ramps, the closest to the Ordway, and dress for a short walk outside since there's no skyway connection.
  • Consider taking the Metro Green Line or a bus, because downtown Central Station is only a few blocks from the Ordway.
  • Plan for close to three hours, because Messiah runs about 2 hours 49 minutes.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the performance?

Allow about 2 hours 49 minutes for the full Messiah.

Who is performing?

John Butt, director of Scotland's Dunedin Consort, conducts the SPCO. The soloists are soprano Nardus Williams, mezzo-soprano Kayleigh Decker, tenor Richard Pittsinger and bass-baritone Brandon Cedel. The chorus is The Singers — Minnesota Choral Artists, led by Matthew Culloton.

Where should I park?

Several parking ramps are within easy walking distance. Lawson Commons and Landmark Towers are the closest. There's no skyway connection to the Ordway. Prepaid parking is available through ParkWhiz.

What accessibility services are available?

Wheelchair assistance is available from the curb to your seat. Elevators reach every floor of the Concert Hall, and accessible seating can be requested when you order. Infrared hearing devices and large-print programs are available. Braille programs and audio description need one month's notice.

Can I get there by transit?

Yes. The Metro Green Line's Central Station and several bus routes are a few blocks away. There are also bike racks nearby.

Tags

concerts performanceschristmas activitiesfamily friendlymusicholidayclassical musicperformancesholiday cheertradition

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Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team