The Messiah

Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 7:30pm
Linehan Chapel, Nazareth College

Under the direction of Raffaele Ponti, Artistic Director, and featuring:
Susan Cotroneo, soprano
Ann Marie Wilcox, mezzo-soprano
Pablo Bustos, tenor
JJ Hudson, bass-baritone

The joyful strains of the "Hallelujah Chorus" will ring from the rafters of Nazareth College's Linehan Chapel on Saturday, December 19, at 7:30pm, when Empire State Lyric Theatre present Handel's "Messiah."

Light up the season with the most anticipated musical offering in Rochester. Historic, moving and sophisticated; the Messiah is George Frederic Handel's most noted oratorio. Perfectly placed in the Linehan Chapel, the evening promises to be unforgettable.

It’s a perfect way to celebrate the season!

This concert is being hosted by Casa Italiana of Nazareth College and will be performed with the Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus.

Synopsis

Messiah was written in 1741 in London. The texts were selected by Charles Jennings, a literary scholar and editor of Shakespearean plays. Although Messiah is traditionally performed at Christmas time, it was originally an Easter tradition. Messiah was first performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742 at St. Patrick's Cathedral as a charity event. The first London performance of Messiah took place at the Convent Garden Theatre (now known as the Royal Opera House) with King George II in attendance. The tradition of standing during the "Hallelujah" Chorus had its beginnings at this time. There is a great deal of speculation as to why King George stood up during this section – did he nod off and jump up, startled by the loud music – or was he acknowledging that his kingdom was subservient to God's? Protocol demanded that no one remain seated while the King was standing.

Messiah was dedicated from its initial performance to charitable purposes. In his will, Handel bequeathed it to an institution for the relief of poverty.

Artist Bios