A SPRING MESSIAH
MAY 14th at 6.30PM • Norwalk Concert Hall • Norwalk, CT
The Fairfield County Chorale, under the baton of Maestro David Rosenmeyer, will perform Handel’s Messiah at Norwalk Concert Hall at 6:30pm on Saturday, May 14, 2022.
David Rosenmeyer, celebrating his tenth season with the Chorale, 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.
This is Fairfield County Chorale’s 59th season presenting great choral works in southwestern Connecticut. With its fierce commitment to music and mission, FCC has continued to expand its offerings even over the past two years, presenting online performances, broadening its audience throughout the world, and increasing its membership. The Chorale is comprised of over 100 voices, and every concert is presented with professional accompanists or orchestra, and soloists. FCC has premiered a number of US and worldwide works, and has performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
