Musical rite of holiday season: ‘Messiah’
Confederation Singers, orchestra, and guest soloists perform Handel’s masterpiece
Sobeys LIVE @ the Centre presents an afternoon celebrating of one of the most enduring pieces of music in the Western choral tradition. On Sunday afternoon, the Confederation Singers, orchestra, and four guest soloists perform Handel’s “Messiah,” the Baroque-era oratorio that celebrates the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Written in 1741, “Messiah” is the most famous creation of German composer George Frederic Handel, and its performance still awes listeners more than 250 years after the composer’s death. Ludwig van Beethoven, citing “Messiah,” said Handel was the “greatest composer that ever lived.”
The concert is an annual tradition at Confederation Centre of the Arts, led by choral music director, Donald Fraser. Joining the centre’s adult choir this year are guest vocalists: mezzo-soprano Hannah O’Donnell, soprano Shannon Scales, baritone Parker Clements, and tenor James Smith. Scales and Clements, both Islanders, have previously performed “Messiah” with the centre’s choral programme, while this marks the debut performance for fellow Islander, O’Donnell. Also making his first performance with the centre is Smith, from Des Moines, Iowa, who is currently completing his master’s of music degree at the University of Western Ontario. The Confederation Singers include 70 members this year from across the community. The singers present an interesting and varied program of music throughout the year, performing seasonal concerts on local stages and at a variety of events. Other concerts include “Choral Music on a Holy Day” and the popular holiday tradition “Sing Along Messiah,” where the audience is invited to participate.
Handel’s “Messiah” will be presented on Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m., in the Homburg Theatre of Confederation Centre of the Arts. Tickets are $25 and are available at the door, at Confederation Centre’s box office, online at confederationcentre.com, or via phone at 902-566-1267 (tollfree at 1-800-565-0278.)