The Kansas City Symphony presents Handel's Messiah

The Kansas City Symphony brings Handel's Messiah to Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on December 4, 5, and 6, 2026. It's one of the great choral masterpieces of the Baroque era, and this run of performances is led by guest conductor Jane Glover, a specialist in Baroque and Classical repertoire. She'll be directing the Kansas City Symphony and the Symphony Chorus, so you'll have the full orchestra and the full choir on stage for the whole thing.

Messiah is a massive work, and it's the kind of piece that really benefits from a full chorus. The Symphony Chorus handles the choral parts, and the Kansas City Symphony takes care of the orchestral accompaniment, with Glover leading the way from the podium. As a specialist in Baroque and Classical music, she's right at home with this repertoire, and having her guest conduct is a good reason to catch this run if you're into the period.

The performances are all at the Kauffman Center, with the audience seated in the acoustics of Helzberg Hall. It's a three-night run, so you can pick the date that works best for you. Every performance starts at 8 PM, and tickets vary by date, with some starting at $46. If you've never heard Messiah live, this is a straightforward way to do it: three nights, one hall, and a full symphony and chorus on the bill.