The Whatcom Chorale and Sinfonia are starting off their 50th season with a performance of the “Messiah,” by George Frideric Handel. Although Handel’s career stretched over a period of 50 years, the “Messiah” is among his best known works.
The work had its premiere performance in Dublin in 1742, when it earned a rave review from the Dublin Journal. The paper at the time said:
“Words are wanting to express the exquisite Delight [Messiah] afforded to the admiring crowded Audience. The Sublime, the Grand, and the Tender, adapted to the most elevated, majestic and moving Words, conspired to transport and charm the ravished Heart and Ear.”
Some 280 years later, the composition is still getting the same response, particularly the “Hallelujah Chorus,” which the audience often sings along with the performers, who have ranged from school children to professional companies.
In Bellingham, the “Messiah” will be in good hands – those of the Whatcom Chorale and Sinfonia. Soloists for the evening will be bass Michael Drumheller, tenor Jason Parker, mezzo soprano Sherrie Kahn, and soprano Serene Eduljee. Parker and Kahn are local favorites and are members of the Chorale. The Sinfonia members are gifted instrumentalists from the region.
The “Messiah” is scheduled for Friday, December 9 at 7:00 pm at the Mt. Baker Theatre. Audiences for events like these enjoy learning about the compositions, which organizers can present in programs they create using brochure printing.