Early Music Vancouver (EMV) & Vancouver Chamber Choir (VCC) partner for the first time in a joint performance of the holiday classic Handel’s Messiah.
“It speaks to the heart of seasonal proclamations of goodwill toward others and peace on earth, something our world is in desperate need of currently.” – Suzie LeBlanc
Under the baton of Alexander Weimann, the Pacific Baroque Orchestra and the Vancouver Chamber Choir will be joined by soloists Sherezade Panthaki, Allyson McHardy, Nicholas Scott, and Jonathon Adams.
“Beyond its exquisite composition, Handel’s Messiah is a beloved holiday tradition revered around the world for its unique ability to transcend boundaries of faith, religion, and language,” says EMV’s artistic & executive director, Suzie LeBlanc. “It speaks to the heart of seasonal proclamations of goodwill toward others and peace on earth, something our world is in desperate need of currently.”
Written by Handel in just 24 days, Messiah has been performed worldwide for centuries. In Canada alone, Messiah performances date back to St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Halifax in 1789. The Hallelujah Chorus is so recognizable it is now synonymous with this work.
“Besides the iconic Hallelujah chorus, the Messiah contains a great many catchy, foot tap and smile-inducing choruses in addition to the more sombre, stately choruses,” says Kari Turunen, artistic director of the VCC. “Handel knew how to write for voices, and singing this work is a great delight.”
Early Music Vancouver and the Vancouver Chamber Choir present Handel’s Messiah at the Orpheum Theatre (601 Smithe St, Vancouver) on December 8. Visit earlymusic.bc.ca for tickets and information.