Messiah 2015

By George Frideric Handel

Music Director/Conductor

Produced by Apollo Chorus of Chicago

At the Harris Theater, Chicago

Heavenly rendition of Handel’s masterpiece a terrific holiday tradition

Handel’s 1741 oratorio Messiah has been presented since 1879 in Chicago by the Apollo Chorus of Chicago! This 136th yearly production is more than a holiday tradition, it is a staple. Featuring the over 110 member chorus with a baroque orchestra and four singers, the Messiah roars to the heavens. The Messiah sounds so breathtaking that entering heaven couldn’t sound better! The family audience at the Harris Theater relished the “Hallelujah” portion of the oratorio as everyone stood throughout that moving piece. (Watch and listen to the video below.)

The music, under the direction of Stephen Alltop, was stellar in the best of the baroque tradition. Of the four singers, Soprano Amanda  Majeski, fresh off her acclaimed work in the Lyric Opera’s The Passenger stood out!. Her rich soprano  voice and clear articulation was quite melodic.

This Chicago tradition has only today (December 20 at 2 pm) performance at the Harris Theater. Just get there to get a taste of heaven. It may be as close as most of us get to the pearly gates!

Highly Recommended

Tom Williams

Theatre in Chicago podcast

Date Reviewed: December 19, 2015