Messiah continues to be one of the best-known and popular choral pieces, dramatic and spiritual.  A large-scale oratorio, it celebrates three concepts:  the story of Christ's nativity and its prophecy;  the crucifixion and redemption of mankind;  and a commentary on the Christian soul and its victory over death.  the choir is the heart of the work, complemented by four soloists and Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.