Which is odd, considering the German-born composer's most famous work, and perhaps the most recognizable and performed choral work in Western literature, was never meant for the holidays.
Yes, the first part of the massive work is based on text describing the birth of Christ.
In fact, Handel debuted the work in the spring of 1742 as a series of charity concerts in Dublin.
And it's that model of charity that Missoulians have honored every year for the past 12, with a seasonal performance of the “Messiah” that brings out singers and orchestral instrumentalists from across the valley to raise money for Habitat for Humanity of Missoula.
When asking members of his volunteer chorus who had never sung the “Messiah” before, “only five people raised their hands,” said Ron Wilcott, who will be conducting the piece this year - on Sunday night in the University Theatre.
That makes his job easier, even though it's no easy thing to get so many people together and whip together what is a fairly difficult piece of music in just two rehearsals.
“Everybody has a good idea of what to do,” said Wilcott, who also conducts the Missoula Community Choir and teaches music at Loyola Sacred Heart High School. “As long as we stay on the same page, we should be in good shape.”
The fact that so many people show up to sing and play (there is a full orchestra as well) shows not only the generosity of Missoulians, but their love of good music, said Wilcott.
“They're a great bunch of people to work with,” he said. “They're people who are there for the right reason - and that's the love of singing.”
“Messiah” is scored for full orchestra and chorus, and also features four soloists, this year drawn from the University of Montana's School of Music faculty.
Singing soprano will be Anne Basinski; on alto, Kimberly James; tenor is David Cody, and the bass is sung by Stephen Kalm.
That's a real treat for Missoulians, said Wilcott, who calls his four soloists “professional-caliber singers.”
Dave Chrismon, executive director of Habitat Missoula, said audiences always warm up to the performance, testifying to the power of the music and the abilities of Missoula musicians to pull it off, and pull it off well.
“I feel like we're offering a great piece of music to the community,” he said. “It's a service to the community as a whole, and to the musical folks in the community who love to play it.”
But will Chrismon, whose wife Nancy Cooper serves as music director of the production and who has a daughter in the chorus, be getting up on stage to join his family?
He laughed.
“No, I don't sing. My wife and daughter are the musicians in my family, and I'm the audience.”
Reach arts reporter Jamie Kelly at 523-5254 or at jkelly@missoulian.com
Hallelujah!
Handel's “Messiah” will be performed by a community chorus and orchestra on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. in the University Theatre. There is no admission, but goodwill donations will be accepted at the door for Habitat for Humanity of Missoula.
In addition, the Glacier Chorale and the Glacier Symphony's Baroque and Beyond Ensemble will perform “Messiah” in Bigfork, Kalispell and Whitefish on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1-2. Watch for next week's Entertainer for more details.
|
 |
 |
Add your comment now! Write your comment in the form below.
(Email address is for verification only. If you'd like to email a story, look for the link above)