From G.F. Handel to Jerry Herman, the classic arts scene in New York is never quiet. Here is just a sampling of some of the classic arts events happening this week:
It’s Messiah week at Carnegie Hall, where you can catch three different performances of Handel’s holiday oratorio. The Oratorio Society of New York will give the work December 18 with soprano soloist Kathryn Lewek, making an appearance between performances of The Magic Flute at the Metropolitan Opera—another holiday tradition, in which she plays the Queen of the Night. Lewek will be joined in Messiah by countertenor Daniel Moody, tenor Martin Bakari, and baritone John Brancy.
Musica Sacra will perform Messiah December 20, with soprano Susanna Phillips, countertenor Clifton Massey, tenor Steven Caldicott Wilson, and bass-baritone Joseph Parrish as the soloists. The following day, December 21, it’s the Masterwork Chorus and Orchestra’s turn, with soprano Esther Heideman, mezzo-soprano Agnes Vojtko, tenor Daniel McGrew, and bass Jason Zacher.
If you want to sing Messiah yourself, join the National Chorale’s Messiah sing-in December 18 at David Geffen Hall. Soprano Maria Brea, mezzo-soprano Kelly Guerra, tenor Nathan Munson, and bass Michael Pearsley will be the soloists, with the entire audience singing the choruses.
If you’d like a different Nativity oratorio for a change of pace, the American Modern Opera Company will be offering John Adams’ El Niño: Nativity Reconsidered, December 21, at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. Soprano Julia Bullock, contralto Jasmin White, countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, and bass-baritone Davóne Tines will sing the modern take on the nativity. Bullock and Tines will both reprise their parts this spring when the opera-oratorio receives its Met premiere in a new production directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz.
The New York Pops will give their annual holiday concert December 22 and 23, with Norm Lewis and Essential Voices USA. Titled “The Best Christmas of All” after the song by Jerry Herman, the concert will include traditional carols, 20th century standards, and songs from the Broadway stage.
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