Handel's Messiah | Chicago Symphony Orchestra

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Handel’s Messiah Dec 16-19, 2021 Handel Messiah Overview Program Performers

Overview

From the awe-inspiring “Hallelujah” chorus to the many thrilling and intimate arias, Handel’s landmark oratorio is an unmissable CSO holiday tradition. Nicholas McGegan, “one of the finest Baroque conductors of his generation” (The Independent), leads a glorious reunion of the assembled forces of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

Ticket holders are invited to a free preconcert conversation featuring Laura Prichard in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The conversation will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets required.

  • Venue Symphony Center
  • Length 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Preconcert Conversation with Laura Prichard
  • Program Book Read more
Program Handel

Messiah

Performers Chicago Symphony Orchestra Nicholas McGegan Conductor Yulia Van Doren Soprano Reginald Mobley Countertenor Ben Bliss Tenor Dashon Burton Bass-baritone Chicago Symphony Chorus Duain Wolfe Chicago Symphony Chorus Director and Conductor (1994–2022) Sponsors & Partners Official Airline of the CSO United Airlines IL Arts Council Agency_logo_2021

The appearance of Yulia Van Doren, Reginald Mobley, Ben Bliss and Dashon Burton is made possible by the Grainger Fund for Excellence.

The appearance of the Chicago Symphony Chorus has been made possible by a generous gift from The Grainger Foundation.

Discover more on Experience CSO Nicholas McGegan advocates for all music, from early to modern Conductor Nicholas McGegan has little patience for the notion that there ever was — or still is — a feud between musicians who perform 17th- and 18th-century music in so-called authentic style on period instruments and those who don’t. Explore more ‘Hallelujah’! A few facts about Handel’s ‘Messiah’ So popular is Handel's "Messiah" that it has been called “the one great work that not only embodies a religion but is a religion itself.” Explore more Handel Zadok The Priest, Coronation Anthem I Nicholas Kraemer, a leading specialist in Handel’s music, conducts the stirring anthem Zadok the Priest. Explore more 

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