A triumph of music and text, Handel’s Messiah is a matchless December tradition. The exquisite choral writing and the exultant Hallelujah” chorus — featuring the Seattle Symphony, Chorale and a strong cast of soloists — honor Handel’s greatest work.
Running time
2 hours, 20 minutes
Location
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium - Benaroya Hall
The word “versatile” is an apt description for British conductor Matthew Halls. He first came to prominence as a keyboard player and early music conductor, but Halls is now better known for his dynamic and intelligent work with major symphony orchestras and opera companies, and for his probing and vibrant interpretations of music of all periods.
Soprano Nola Richardson is rapidly making her mark as an "especially impressive" (The New York Times) young soloist and has been praised by the Washington Post for her "astonishing balance and accuracy,” “crystalline diction” and “natural-sounding ease.”
Widely praised for her musical intelligence and “expressive virtuosity” (San Francisco Chronicle), American mezzo-soprano Meg Bragle is quickly earning an international reputation as one of today’s most gifted and versatile mezzo-sopranos.
Thomas Cooley is singer of great virtuosity, expressiveness, and versatility. In demand internationally, Cooley performs a wide range of repertoire, from the Renaissance to the present day with premiere orchestras, ensembles and conductors. Cooley has received exceptional acclaim for the role of the Evangelist in Bach's Passions and in the great oratorios of Handel.
Hailed by Gramophone Magazine as “one of the best of our younger baritones”, William Berger is distinguished by his rich vocal timbre and charismatic stage presence. A compelling interpreter of song, Berger is equally at home on the operatic stage and has performed at renowned festivals, opera houses and concert halls including the English National Opera, Liceu Barcelona, Opera Vlaanderen, Opéra de Toulon, and the Lucerne, Aix-en-Provence and Edinburgh International Festivals.
The Seattle Symphony Chorale serves as the official chorus of the Seattle Symphony. Over its past four decades, the Chorale has grown in artistry and stature, establishing itself as a highly respected ensemble.
Led by Music Director Thomas Dausgaard, the Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label.
Performances of Handel’s Messiah are supported by a gift in memory of Gwen Jones Whyte. Thomas Cooley’s performances are supported in part by the Melvyn Poll Tenor Fund.
