Handel Messiah
saturday, May 14, 2022, 6:30pm

Norwalk Concert Hall
125 East Avenue
Norwalk, CT

The Fairfield County Chorale, under the baton of Maestro David Rosenmeyer, will be joined by soloists Kendra Berentsen, Soprano; Karolina Pilou, Mezzo-Soprano; Brian Giebler, Tenor; and Michael Pitocchi, Bass-Baritone; accompanied by the Fairfield County Chorale Orchestra.

Following its premiere in Dublin two weeks after Easter in 1742, Messiah quickly became a favorite oratorio throughout English speaking countries.  It is typically performed during the Christmas season, but this year the FCC is returning Handel’s most famous oratorio to its original season, the Spring.

A work of profound pain, joy, and grace, Handel’s Messiah tells the story of Jesus Christ, from the prophecy of his birth, through his death, ending triumphantly with the Resurrection.

Messiah was composed in an astonishing 24 days and was an immediate commercial success. It is a particular tour de force for the chorus, rich with extraordinary music, emotional impact, and uplifting messages.  Objectively a liturgical piece, Handel’s focus was on humanity’s earthly relationship to the Divine. The joy manifested in the Hallelujah Chorus in unequivocal. King George II was supposedly so moved during the London premiere that he stood, followed by the entire audience. The practice of audiences leaping to their feet whenever the Hallelujah Chorus is played continues to this day.