The Guelph Chamber Choir will perform Handel’s Messiah Dec. 22 at the River Run Centre.
The choir will be joined by four guest soloists and an orchestra playing on period instruments, similar to the kind that were played in Handel’s time, in 18th century Europe.
Messiah is a favourite with Guelph audiences at this time of year.
“Although it was originally performed before Easter, Messiah is now a Christmas tradition across the world, and in Guelph the season wouldn’t be complete without it” said conductor Gerald Neufeld.
This year, the choir’s performance is the only one of the oratorio in the city.
Enhancing the drama and beauty of the choir and orchestra are guest soloists soprano Jennie Such, mezzo-soprano Patricia Green, tenor Eric Shaw, and bass Michael Donovan.
The words in Messiah are drawn from the Old and New Testaments of The Holy Bible by English librettist Charles Jennens. Concert-goers are invited to learn more about the way the epic story was crafted in a talk, Prophetic Words and Inspired Music by Scripture scholar Dr. John Bligh. It will take place before the concert from 6.45 to 7.30pm.
The 40-voice Chamber Choir is a group of largely amateur singers that fosters the development and appreciation of fine choral music in the Guelph area.
Tickets to Messiah are $30 for adults, students $10; call the River Run Centre at 519-763-3000 or 1-877 520-2408 or at www.riverruncentre.ca.
For more information call 519-836-5103 or visit guelphchamberchoir.ca.
