It’s become an annual treat for fans of the masterwork known as Handel’s Messiah.
Messiah will be presented by Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra and Chorus on Saturday Nov. 26 at the First Avenue Christian Assembly.
Vocal soloists in the spotlight will include soprano Tracey Satterfield, mezzo-soprano Christina Kent, tenor Jonathan Michel and bass Bevin Van Liempt.
Asked what is new this year, CSO resident conductor Paula de Wit replies they’ve added three brand-new choruses to the concert program.
They are Behold the Lamb of God, Let all the angels of God Worship Him, The Lord Gave the Word.
Handle’s Messiah is an English oratorio featuring orchestra, choir and soloists, taking on sacred themes. It was composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, with a scriptural text by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. Its debut was in Dublin, Ireland on 13 April 1742, and received its London premiere nearly a year later. After an initially modest public reception the oratorio gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.
Handel’s Messiah, Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m. at the First Avenue Christian Assembly.
Tickets $20/25/30 available at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre box office, seniors and students $2 discount, or www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca/event/handels-messiah/.
