On December 20, 2025, the Residentie Orkest will start Residentie Orkest new tradition. Every year, it will collaborate with one of The Hague's exceptional choirs in a Christmas performance of Handel's Messiah. This year, that choir is the Royal Singing Society Excelsior, which has been active since 1881. Mirjam van den Hoek, conductor of KZV Excelsior, and Chloe Rooke, our emerging artist in residence, will discuss Messiah. They will highlight the collaboration between choir and orchestra and the significance of this monumental work in music history. An inspiring look behind the scenes of a special performance.

In a second video, Petra van der Weerdt, choir member at KZV Excelsior, shares why Messiah is a special concert for her: about the power of music, the emotion of singing, and the unique collaboration with the Residentie Orkest.