Handel’s "Messiah" will be presented by the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Petoskey on Thursday, December 16 and Friday, December 17, at 7:30 p.m, yet another wonderful Northern Michigan holiday event. A quartet of outstanding soloists, Sarah Hibbard, soprano; Martha Hart, alto; David Theis, tenor; and Adrian Sanchez, bass; will join the GLCO Orchestra and Chorus in this performance. During the Advent and Christmas seasons usually only the first section and selected portions of the remainder are performed.
Handel’s "Messiah" is the best known and most beloved oratorio ever written, combining recitative, aria, and dramatic choruses in a resounding affirmation of God’s love. "Messiah" was written in 24 days, and was first performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742, as a benefit concert for the Society for Relieving Prisoners, the Charitable Infirmary, and the Mercer’s Hospital. Handel made slight modifications in the work for almost every performance, tailoring the arias to his soloists and varying the number of voices in the choir. "Messiah" stands as an art work which transcends period and cultural boundaries, and speaks in the most profound way to human spiritual aspirations.
Tickets are now available at www.glcorchestra.org or by calling 231-487-0010. Reserved seating is available. General admission tickets – $15. Tickets are also available a Chambers of Commerce and bookstores in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Boyne City, and East Jordan, the Crooked Tree Art Center, or at local bookstores. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door.
The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presentation of Handel’s "Messiah" is sponsored by the Bank of Northern Michigan and the Bay Harbor Foundation. The Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Petoskey/Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, Great Lakes Energy, and over 338 contributing members support the mission of the GLCO . . . "to produce live orchestral performances providing entertainment, education and inspiration for our northern Michigan community."