A popular Christmas tradition is back, thanks to the Chilliwack Symphony and its maestra, Paula DeWit.
The CSO will present multiple performances of Handel鈥檚 Messiah this December featuring its newly rebranded early-music ensemble Cantare Super Orchestram alongside the Belle Voci Vocal Ensemble.
First performance will be at Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. at Vancouver's Holy Rosary Cathedral (646 Richards St.).
Following this, the full ensemble will travel to South 性视界传媒 for a 7:30 performance the same evening at the Good Shepherd Church (Star of the Sea Parish), 2250 150 St. Other performances are scheduled for Mission, Chilliwack and Aldergrove.
"Handel鈥檚 glorious 1742 oratorio Messiah is a quintessential holiday work cherished for its message of hope and unity," DeWit noted.
"From the powerful 'Hallelujah Chorus' to the uplifting 'For Unto Us a Child is Born,' Messiah celebrates joy, faith, and renewal."
DeWit said that attending such concerts is "a meaningful way to strengthen the arts 鈥� and creating memorable musical experiences deserves community celebration."
But honouring a classic like Messiah can have pitfalls, DeWit acknowledged 鈥� particularly if ensembles fall into the trap of complacently repeating standard approaches to the piece.
"One of the special challenges in performing Messiah year after year is to keep the work sounding fresh, as if one had just discovered it,' she said.
In December's performances, DeWit said, "audiences can expect to hear a more detailed, articulate style to the piece, and quicker tempos based on Baroque dance rhythms and speech."
"This year's Messiah will be unique and intimate," she continued, adding that is bringing new sound textures to the piece with the addition of a lute and a Baroque flute to the Cantare Super Orchestram ensemble.
DeWit agreed that returning to the Semiahmoo Peninsula with this performance at this time of year has a feeling of homecoming.
"We adore our White Rock/South 性视界传媒 audience and we can't wait to share our version of Advent Messiah with all our communities," she said..
Following the South 性视界传媒 performance, there will also be a special presentation of Messiah at Westminster Abbey (Mission) on Sunday, Dec. 8.
The following weekend Dewit and the CSO will be back at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre for an evening performance on Friday, Dec.13, with a concluding matinee at Sts. Joachim and Ann Parish in Aldergrove on Saturday, Dec.14.
Tickets for Messiah are $45 (general), $40 (seniors), $10 (youth) and $100 (family).
Tickets are available through the CSO website,
