THE Canberra Choral Society is breaking the Christmas mould this year with the oratorio inspired by “Messiah”,  Haydn’s “Creation.” 

A hit in 1798, it has never waned in popularity.

The concert will be led by guest conductor and ABC Classic FM presenter, Graham Abbott, who describes his task as “one of life’s rare privileges.” says Graham.

The performer will feature  a massed choir of 200 voices, including over 100 guest choristers who have joined the CCS’s  “Come and Sing” program, some of whom are singing in a choir for the very first time.

Canberra-trained soprano and recent Dame Joan Sutherland Scholarship winner, Lorina Gore, joins tenor Christopher Saunders, bass baritone Christopher Richardson and a full symphony orchestra.

The music of “Creation” is famous for its musical scene painting, including, so Abbott says, “the first sunrise, the first birdcalls, the first fish, the first lion’s roar and even (unless I’ve very much mistaken) the first cow pat!”

Creation is also notable for another first – the first work to be published in a bilingual text (German and English). Haydn was keen for audiences to be able to experience directly the power of the text, and also supervised translations into French and Swedish.

The CCS performance will be in English so Canberra audiences will be able to fully appreciate the work.

“Haydn’s Creation,” at Llewellyn Hall 7.30pm Saturday, December 1, bookings to 13 28 49.