Symphony New Brunswick performs Handel’s Messiah

Category: music 209

Symphony New Brunswick celebrate the season with performances in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John. 

This holiday season, Symphony New Brunswick performs Handel’s magnificent Messiah with principal guest conductor Michael Newnham, the Louisbourg Choir, and soloists Sally Dibblee, Jillian Bonner, Owen McCausland, and Paul Bustin.

Written in 1741, Messiah is the most popular and frequently performed oratorio ever written. The music is complex and deep, and demanding for the musicians, but ultimately it is the spiritual richness of the work that inspires so many to return to the piece time and time again.

Messiah tells the whole story of Christ- the prophecy of his coming, his birth, life, passion, resurrection and ultimately his glorification in heaven. It is an unusual work for Handel; the narrative is not linear, unlike his other religious oratorios. Rather, it is a series of scenes highlighting moments in the life of Christ.

This famously timeless work is a testament to Handel’s unparalleled skill in musical storytelling. Much of the appeal of Messiah lies in Handel’s bold and subtle use of text painting.

Because of its very contemplative and reflective nature and its ability to create spiritual unity beyond the boundaries of a church, the Messiah has become the highlight of the holiday season for many.

Upcoming performances:

December 18 in Fredericton at the Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. – SOLD OUT
December 19 in Saint John at the Imperial Theatre at 7:30 p.m. 
December 20 in Moncton at the Capitol Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Concert tickets are available at the door or at the Box Offices in each city.

 

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