In 2022, River City Voices broke the mold of a beloved Christmas tradition by uniting a choral classic with brand new performance poetry for its Western Sydney audiences. In 2025, Slam Messiah is back – with the same iconic music, new poets and poems.

Handel’s masterwork ‘Messiah’ was born from one man’s struggle to keep his faith alive in the face of changing times and governments. This bold reimagining combines the raw honesty of contemporary spoken word with the timeless beauty of baroque music, breathing urgent new life into a centuries-old tradition. The times are different, but the issues remain the same – inequality, displacement, hope, resilience and the search for meaning in a fractured world.

‘Performances of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ are a beloved Christmas tradition in many parts of Australia. Slam Messiah honours both River City Voices’ choral heritage and our Western Sydney home,’ says Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Sarah Penicka-Smith. ‘We’re excited to bring you first-rate soloists and empathetic and inspirational young poets, who will combine with Handel’s music to shine a light on our common humanity as 2025 draws to a close.’

Presented as a shortened chamber version perfect for new audiences, three talented Western Sydney poets respond to the issues the music contains, framed by Handel’s thrilling arias and compelling choruses, including the famous ‘Hallelujah’ chorus. With each note, Slam Messiah asks: What does redemption sound like today? Whose voices are lifted and whose are silenced?

Slam Messiah offers audiences the chance to experience this monumental work like never before — alive, immediate, and speaking directly to the heart of 2025.

Auslan ticket booking instructions:

To purchase wheelchair accessible seating, or the Auslan seating for the 3pm session, please contact the venue on (02) 9707 9404.