If you think the “Hallelujah” chorus is all there is to Handel’s Messiah,
you’ll have to wait until the end of Part II. But it’s well worth
hanging in there. Handel’s iconic oratorio is in three parts, depicting
the life of Jesus through memorable choruses and dramatic arias that are
vocal touchstones.
This holiday tradition gets the ultimate performance
ensemble: the CSO; the always terrific May Festival Chorus, led by
renowned Baroque music specialist Jane Glover; and soloists Arianna
Zukerman, Phyllis Pancella, Nicholas Phan and Kevin Burdetta. Part I
only will be performed Saturday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. at Christ’s
Church in Mason, but I suspect the HC will not be omitted. The entire
piece will be performed on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. at Music Hall in
Over-the-Rhine. And don’t bother asking why audiences stand for the HC.
Just do it. Prices vary. cincinnatisymphony.org.
