The many talents of Dmitry Sinkovsky come into play as he not only conducts but also plays violin and sings in the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra’s presentation of the “Messiah” by George Frideric Handel. Bounding with talent and oozing charisma, the Russian musician even adds a bit of percussion as he stamps his foot guiding the orchestra as well as the 43 vocalists in the Minnesota choral group The Singers.

SPCO’s “Messiah” presentation opened at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis for two nights, and will finish its run this weekend at the Ordway Concert Hall in St. Paul. The basilica’s cavernous acoustics lent themselves well to Handel’s popular oratorio.

After the orchestra plays the opening overture, led by Sinkovsky on the violin, tenor David Portillo sets a reverent tone for the rest of the evening. From his velvety performance of the high noted “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people” recitative to the weightier “Ev’ry valley shall be exalted” air, Portillo distinguishes himself as a captivating singer.

As for Sinkovsky’s countertenor voice, his falsetto has an angelic quality as the notes sweep toward the rafters. His singing especially impresses when he has to quickly shift to conducting in between solo parts. At the end of an early recitative, he switches his focus to the chorus, leading the singers into the music before redirecting his attention again to song.

He’s accomplished as a violinist as well, mostly facing toward the orchestra while he plays. He does turn around to face the audience during a duet with soprano Nola Richardson. Dressed in a glittery maroon dress, Richardson also sparkles on her high notes.

Originally premiered around Easter in 1742, Handel’s “Messiah” has become a favorite event around Christmas, even though it covers the whole biblical narrative around Jesus from Nativity to Resurrection, ending with a snippet from the Book of Revelation. The text, assembled by Charles Jennens, brings together various passages from the King James Bible (both Old and New Testaments) as well as the Coverdale Psalter (an earlier English language Bible published in 1535).

The SPCO provides the oratorio lyrics for the audience to follow along. Having the guide helps bring clarity to some of the poignant verses, especially the poetic imagery in the Book of Isaiah, like, “They that dwell in the shadow of death, upon them hath light shined.”

That bit is sung by Dashon Burton, who takes on the bass role. He also sings the rather violent text near the end of Part the Second, where “nations so furiously rage together.” Burton’s powerful tones create drama and fireworks to the piece.

While the “Messiah” may be filled with beautiful vocal solos, its choral sections offer some of the most thrilling moments. The Singers, a group run by artistic director Matthew Culloton, add to the verve of the performance immensely, especially at times when Sinkovsky makes bold choices with tempo and dynamics. The “For unto us a child is born” section is performed at breakneck speed, for example. Later, their rounding melodies overlap with riveting energy, articulated with crisp, whispering layers.

This time of year seems to invite repetition of traditional favorites and, of course, Handel’s “Messiah” checks that box. It also adds some unexpected twists and creative choices while it also delivers reliably great artistry from the SPCO and The Singers.

Who: St. Paul Chamber Orchestra

What: Handel’s “Messiah” with conductor and countertenor Dmitry Sinkovsky

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday (waitlist)

Where: Ordway Concert Hall, 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul

Tickets: $12-55 at thespco.org

Capsule: Dmitry Sinkovsky — singer, violinist and conductor — adds pizzazz to Handel’s “Messiah.”

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