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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Handel’s Messiah
Dec 16-19, 2021
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.
Program
Handel
Messiah
Performers
Sponsors & Partners
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.
Official Airline of the CSO
Discover more on Experience CSO
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.
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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.”
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Nicholas Kraemer, a leading specialist in Handel’s music, conducts the stirring anthem Zadok the Priest.
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