The Dunedin Consort Messiah remains a welcome seasonal speciality

By David Smythe, 19 December 2025

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“the Dunedin’s straying sheep on turbocharged speed”

Reviewed at Perth Concert Hall, Perth on 18 December 2025

Handel, Messiah

Dunedin Consort

Nardus Williams, Soprano

Lotte Betts-Dean, Mezzo-soprano

Joshua Ellicott, Tenor

Dingle Yandell, Bass

John Butt, Director

Leipzig 300: Dunedin Consort explores the Thomaskantor shortlist

David Smythe, 7th February

The Dunedin Consort explores the 1723 Thomaskantor shortlist: Georg Philipp Telemann, Christoph Graupner and Johann Sebastian Bach in a programme directed by John Butt.

****1

Troubled times reflected in Songs of War I Have Seen

David Smythe, 13th October

Composed for Baroque and modern players with Gertrude Stein’s spoken text, Heiner Goebbels Songs of War I Have Seen in an intriguing performance conducted by Ellie Slorach.

***11

An especially memorable Messiah from the Dunedin Consort

David Smythe, 14th December

John Butt directs the Dunedin Consort and a top team of soloists in St Mary's Cathedral for Handel's seasonal favourite.

*****

Authenticity and enjoyment in Dunedin Consort's Acis and Galatea

David Smythe, 22nd June

Rachel Redmond is a sweet voiced Galatea in the Dunedin Consort's performance of the Cannons version of Acis and Galatea in Perth.

****1

Evangelical fervour: Dunedin Consort's St Matthew Passion

Roy Westbrook, 12th April

Tenor Nicholas Mulroy directs a one-voice-to-a-part account of Bach's St Matthew Passion, featuring some splendid singing.

***11

Trials of love told vividly by the Dunedin Consort in Edinburgh

David Smythe, 25th February

John Butt and the Dunedin Consort are joined by Anna Dennis and Matthew Brook in “Trials of Love”, two Baroque cantatas illustrating the perils of infatuated love from Scarlatti and Handel.

****1

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David Smythe

David the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.