The soloists were by and large very good, with the alto soloist being the real standout- and I'm not just saying that because I'm an alto: she really was incredibly good. My one quibble is that the tenor soloist was too quiet; sometimes on high notes he would really lose volume almost like he was unsure of his notes, though he was always on key. But it was a bit disappointing in when first tenor solo- Comfort Ye My People- sounded quiet and unsure, almost like a question instead of an emphatic statement. For an example of how it's supposed to sound, check out the first post I've linked to below. Other than a lack of volume, however, he was fine.
Every other time I've gone to Messiah, I've been in the front part of the balcony where the view has always been great. This year we were seated on the main floor, which was an interesting change. It would have been fine except the person sitting in front of me was really tall and, even with the floor slanting down to the stage, my 5 ft. 1 self couldn't see unless I had my head cocked to either one side or the other, depending on which side of the stage I wanted to see. Short people problems.
The conductor seemed very good; my brother-in-law was very impressed with his direction. Though I did roll my eyes a little at his introductory speech at the beginning of the concert... he said something to the effect that Messiah told the story of Jesus Christ, but "more importantly" it was a message of peace to the world. But that was just my Baptist sensibilities kicking in- and eye rolling isn't so bad: I already had had my sister jab her elbow in my side because I audibly let out an impatient sigh at the "unceded Mi'kmaq territory" land acknowledgement spiel they started off the evening with. I'd be willing to pay more for my tickets to events if we could dispense with the useless and meaningless virtue signaling which inevitably ensues. *Takes deep breath and thinks Christmas-y thoughts*.
This is Worthy Is The Lamb & the Amen Chorus; they're just amazing... the only downside is that hearing them means that Messiah is coming to an end.