Bach Collegium San Diego Presents Handel’s 'Messiah'

Traditional Holiday Oratorio Presented in San Diego

Bach Collegium San Diego (BCSD), one of the country’s leading baroque ensembles, is presenting Handel’s great oratorio "Messiah" this holiday season in San Diego and the Pacific Palisades. The oratorio will spring to life by way of the fruitful collaboration of Charles Jennens’ carefully conceived libretto and Handel’s supreme skill as a composer of the theatre. BCSD’s performance of "Messiah," delivered by a dynamic cast in the manner of Handel’s dramatic operas, has become one of its crown jewels.

Soloists

Estelí Gomez, soprano

Jay Carter, countertenor

Jacob Perry, Michael Jones, tenors

Jonathan Woody, bass

Handel composed "Messiah" in a breathtakingly swift 24 days. "Messiah" was originally conceived as a work for Easter, and its premiere was during Lent at the Music Hall on Fishamble Street, Dublin on April 13, 1742. The performance was offered as a charity event for the relief of prisoners, support for Mercer's Hospital, and aid for the Charitable Infirmary.

There is a long-standing myth that King George II was so touched by the “Hallelujah” chorus that he rose to his feet with the crowd following. It’s impossible to confirm the truth of this legend, since this was first recorded in 1780, almost 40 years later! Audiences today routinely stand during the “Hallelujah” chorus, as a tip of the hat to this legend.

BCSD is beginning an annual tradition of performing Handel’s "Messiah" in San Diego so it can become a part of locals’ holiday tradition.

Bach Collegium San Diego engages audiences with accessible, historically informed performances and educational programs featuring repertoire from the Renaissance, Baroque, and early Classical eras. The ensemble was founded in 2003 by Music Director Ruben Valenzuela to diversify the musical offerings of the San Diego community.

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