The Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will once again bring an "inspiring and uplifting" Christmas concert to five different venues, including in Chilliwack and Aldergrove, said director Paula DeWit.
The orchestra presents its annual Handel's Messiah on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. The Aldergrove concert is the following day.
The CSO's early-music ensemble, Cantare Super Orchestram, will perform alongside the Belle Voci Vocal Ensemble.
DeWit, music director and conductor with the CSO, will lead the two groups in Handel’s glorious 1742 oratorio Messiah, a quintessential holiday work cherished for its message of hope and unity.
From the powerful Hallelujah Chorus to the uplifting For Unto Us a Child is Born, Messiah celebrates joy, faith and renewal.
"One of the special challenges in performing Messiah year after year is to keep the work sounding fresh, as if one had just discovered it," DeWit said. "Audiences can expect to hear a more detailed, articulate style to the piece, and quicker tempos based on Baroque dance rhythms and speech patterns."
The Dec. 13 show is one of two 'Messiah in the Valley' concerts. The other one is on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Sts. Joachim and Ann Church in Aldergrove at 2 p.m.
Preceding these two will be three Advent Messiah concerts throughout the Lower Mainland: Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Cathedral in Vancouver; Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Church in South Surrey; and Dec. 8 at Westminster Abbey in Mission (sold out).
"Attending these concerts is a meaningful way to strengthen the arts, and creating memorable musical experiences deserves community celebration," Dewit added.
The Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah on Friday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. Tickets $40 and available at the Centre Box Office, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).
