Ever since it formed its chorus in 2003, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra has performed Handelβs βMessiahβ during the holidays.
This year, the orchestra and chorus, with Music Director JosΓ© Luis Gomez at the podium, is performing excerpts from βMessiahβ on a program that also includes Bachβs Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 and Corelliβs Concerto Grosso No. 8, best known as the βChristmas Concerto.β
Will step away from the podium and pick u phis violin to play solo parts in the Brandenburg and the Corelli. We also can expect to hear the TSO Chorus, under the direction of Bruce Chamberlain, perform the beloved βHallelujahβ chorus with soloists tenor Paul DβArcy and soprano Emily Birsan. And donβt be surprised if people around you start singing along. Heck, thatβs the reason you go to see βMessiah,β which in its full glory runs about 2Β½ hours. The βHallelujahβ is soul-lifting; it will make you forget that you still have more unchecked boxes than checked on your holiday to-do list.
The orchestra will perform its βMessiah & Bachβ concert twice this weekend: at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive. Tickets are $46 to $86.
The program also includes Handelβs Water Music, Suite No. 2.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to tucsonsymphony.org.
