News Releases

THE SHEBOYGAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHORUS PRESENT HANDEL’S MESSIAH

on 11/26/2007 8:23 PM

The Messiah, Handel’s masterwork, will be performed by the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, Chorus and the Lakeland College Concert Choir on December 8, 2007 at 7:30 pm at the Weill Center. SSO Conductor, Andrews Sill will lead the Orchestra and Chorus. The Sheboygan Symphony Chorus and Lakeland College Concert Choir are under the direction of Janet L. Herrick.

 

As guests are arriving at the Weill Center for the evening’s concert, they will be welcomed by the Sheboygan Symphony Carolers who will be presenting a short pre-concert from 6:45 to 7:15 pm in the balcony overlooking the historic lobby.  

The Messiah was composed in 1741, when Charles Jennens convinced Handel to create an oratorio based upon a compilation of Scriptures he had recently selected. Handel wrote the entire work in a twenty-four day spurt from August 22 until September 14. Consistent with the format of oratorios, Messiah is divided into three parts, which represent Christ's birth, death, and resurrection; each section containing a series of arias and choruses.

Sill stated, “For me the Messiah is not just a glorious, iconic piece, it is a dramatic portrait of Jesus Christ set to music.  So, I approach this performance not just as an exciting musical opportunity, but as a chance to illuminate Handel's vision of this extraordinary Figure in a piece where humanity and divinity inspire every note.”  

 

Herrick added, “We chose “Messiah” for the first Sheboygan Symphony Chorus concert in 1994.  Although that performance of Messiah was not as familiar as it is today, it contained the absolute joy audiences now expect from these talented and dedicated singers. With each performance we rediscover Handel’s genius and look forward to singing with the same anticipation as we had for our premiere concert in 1994.”

 

This year the audience will hear many of their favorite singers and will be introduced to a few new soloists, including two young women from Lakeland College. Soloists will be drawn from members of the chorus.  This year our soloists include Joelle Barrett, Jeff Britton, Rebecca Charbonneau, Clarissa Dimel, A.J. Grulkowski, Michelle Nolan-Olmsted, Emily Rendall, Nicole Rieck, Timothy Van Zeeland and Marlene Wondergem.

 

The 100-voice Sheboygan Symphony Chorus joins the 28-voice Lakeland College Concert Choir to create an ensemble which represents the musically diverse population of the area. Professionals and amateurs, the young and seasoned musicians work side by side to prepare the Messiah masterwork. The Symphony Chorus Carolers is a 35-voice chorus composed of members of the Sheboygan Symphony Chorus.

EIGHTH NOTES:

Ticket prices are $20, $25, $30, and $15 for students.

Tickets are available by calling 452-1985 or two hours before the performance in the Weill Center Box Office.

The Symphony thanks the F.K. Bemis Family Foundation