A new Salt Spring Christmas tradition, based on a centuries old musical tradition, begins this year, 2011, on December 18th at 2:00 at ArtSpring. Bach on the Rock, under the direction of its music director Jim Stubbs, will proudly present Handel’s glorious Messiah! This is a SING ALONG presentation where you, the audience, will be accompanied by the Salt Spring Chamber Orchestra and Choir in this magnificent work.
Jim Stubbs and the Salt Spring Chamber Orchestra and Choir are thrilled to bring this first annual Messiah Sing Along to ArtSpring. In addition to the chorus numbers that will involve audience participation, the Sing Along Messiah will also feature local soloists including Schuyler Matthews, Connie Holmes, Debra Olsen, Manya Sadouski, Patricia Flannagan, Anke Smeele, Don Fisher, Derrick Milton and Rasma Bertz, as well as our popular off-island guest Angus Bell.
The Messiah premiered in Dublin on April 13, 1742, and was a resounding success. By the end of the decade it was established as one of the greatest oratorios of all time. Using a script by Charles Jennens, Handel was almost immediately infused with an insatiable energy and vision. Handel completed the oratorio in 25-28 days and when he finished the Hallelujah chorus, he told his servant: “I did think I did see all heaven before me, and the Great God himself.”
Many audience members already know the melodies to the famous chorus numbers such as “And the glory of the Lord”, For unto us a child is born”, “Glory to God”, “Hallelujah” and “Worthy is the Lamb”; words will be provided with your programs. For those that wish to read from the score, there will be a limited number of Messiah scores, Wilkins Shaw edition, available at the door for purchase at $15.00 or rent for a deposit of $15. The deposit will be returned in full at the end of the performance upon the return of the score.
Don’t miss out on this community musical event! Be part of the Salt Spring Sing Along Messiah and join the members of the Salt Spring Chamber Choir. Let the sounds of the Salt Spring Chamber Orchestra surround and accompany you as we all create an island Messiah.
