Austin Symphony Orchestra & Austin Chorus Present Handel's "Messiah"

The Austin Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Austin: Handel’s Messiah
December 4, 2007 at 8:00 p.m.
4214 N. Capitol of Texas Highway (4214 N. Capitol of Texas Highway)
Riverbend Centre
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Sir Thomas Beecham wrote of Handel in his memoirs, "Since his time mankind has heard no music written for voices which can even feebly rival his for grandeur of build and tone, nobility and tenderness of melody, scholastic skill and ingenuity and inexhaustible variety of effect…Handel…is the undeniably great international master of all time. He wrote Italian music better than any Italians; French music better than any Frenchman; English music better than any Englishman; and with the exception of Bach, out-rivaled all other Germans."

Handel's masterpiece, Messiah, was composed in just three short weeks in 1742, and is perhaps one of the world's most brilliantly composed artistic works designed to espouse the artist's faith. Over time, Messiah has transcended the simply religious realm of appreciation and acknowledgment, and is now the single most performed oratorio in history. Naturally, the holiday season signals a renewed interest in the piece, and this year is no different: the Austin Symphony Orchestra along with Chorus Austin will perform Messiah at the Riverbend Centre on December 4.

The symphony is conducted by the remarkable maestro Peter Bay, featuring Cara Johnston, soprano, Jami Rhodes, alto, Don Hill, tenor, and David Small singing bass. Call the Riverbend Centre at 327-3540 for more information.