Around this time last year I let you know about a new book that provides background and commentary for Handel’s Messiah. And now I want to encourage you to take in a performance of Messiah this Christmas season. And just to get you started, I’ve done some of the work, at least for those of you who live in a few major cities.
Messiah is one of the last distinctly Christian cultural events. Think about it: every year thousands and thousands of people pack concert halls to hear people sing Scripture set to music. They hear prophecies of a coming Messiah, they hear of his birth, they hear of his death and resurrection and they hear of his coming return. It is a remarkable thing. I almost feel a responsibility to support this kind of an event. I try to go every year and always enjoy it immensely.
I think you should do the same. It’s really quite easy to find a performance. I typed a few cities into Google and quickly found performances in:
New York – New York Philharmonic. Avery Fisher Hall. December 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 $31-$132
Toronto – Toronto Symphony Orchestra with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Roy Thompson Hall. December 14, 16, 17, 18, 19. $38 – $107
Atlanta – Atlanta Symphony Orchestra with Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus. Atlanta Symphony Hall. December 1, 3. $29 – $59
Philadelphia – The Philadelphia Orchestra with the Philadelphia Singers Chorale. Verizon Hall. December 18. $29 – $124.
Los Angeles – Los Angeles Master Chorale. Disney Hall. December 18. $24-$114.
I could go on and on. These are just the major events in major cities. Countless smaller churches, choirs and orchestras will also be offering performances.
So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, buy the book, and prepare to have your soul stirred.
