Join the Palm Beach Symphony for Handel’s “Messiah,” conducted by Music Director Gerard Schwarz Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach.
“When you look at the great masterpieces of the past, maybe the greatest of them all is this remarkable oratorio by George Frideric Handel, the ‘Messiah,’” explains Schwarz. “It is loved by everyone and for good reason. It is loved because it is great, great music.”
Also joining in are Soprano Robyn Marie Lamp, Mezzo-Soprano Stephanie Doche, Tenor Jonathan Johnson and Bass-Baritone Richard Ollarsaba who perform the vocal solos. FAU Chamber Singers and Schola Cantorum of Florida will deliver the choral passages under the direction of Chorus Master Patricia P. Fleitas, director of choral and vocal studies at FAU.
“Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, his sacrifice for mankind and his resurrection, the work has become a fixture of the Christmas holiday season and its rousing ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ is known the world over,” notes a press release. “During the 18th century, the aristocracy in England stood to hear the “Hallelujah Chorus” and that has now become a treasured tradition.”
Schwarz, who has 14 Grammy nominations, adds: “When we start the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ it is such a thrill to hear the audience stand up and pay homage to this fantastic choral work. I look forward to welcoming everyone, whether you are a novice at the Messiah or someone who has heard it 10 times, to come and be part of our performance. The audience is an integral part of the performance. It’s not just us. It is all of us together.”
For more information, visit palmbeachsymphony.org.