This weekend, one of the great musical traditions of Ann Arbor continues as UMS, along with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and the UMS Choral Union, presents two performances of Handel’s Messiah. This epic, 275-year-old English oratorio received its Ann Arbor premiere in the 1879-80 season, and has since been welcomed every year as a celebrated holiday tradition.
This particular oratorio by Handel is in three parts, and it uses Biblical text to tell the story of Jesus Christ, who is the Messiah, from the prophecies predicting his birth through his death and glorious resurrection. Maestro Scott Hanoian will conduct a Baroque orchestra and chorus that features soloists Joseph Gascho on harpsichord as well as vocal soloists Janai Brugger, Meg Bragle, Michele Angelini, and Shenyang,
Ending the large-scale, dramatic masterwork is the unmistakeable, triumphant Hallelujah Chorus. These performances offer the opportunity for listeners to hear the entire work from which that famous movement originated.
You won’t want to miss this time-honored holiday tradition of epic proportion!
Performances are Saturday, December 3rd at 8pm and Sunday, December 4th at 1pm in Hill Auditorium.
Tickets are available for purchase online or at The League Ticket Office.
