Handel’s “Messiah”

One of the city's most cherished holiday traditions, Handel’s “Messiah” returns for another festive year as part of The Apollo Chorus' milestone 145th Season on Saturday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Harris Theater for Music & Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. Led by Stephen Alltop, Music Director and Conductor of The Apollo Chorus, the glorious masterpiece welcomes outstanding soloists Josefien Stoppelenburg, soprano, Meg Bragle, mezo-soprano, Mark Van Arsdale, tenor and Levi Hernandez, baritone, making this year's Messiah performances the most memorable to date.

“Few works are more time-honored than Handel’s Messiah,” says Stephen Alltop, Music Director & Conductor of The Apollo Chorus. “We're proud to bring back such a classic holiday favorite as part of our 2016-2017 Season and keep the tradition going for Chicago audiences.”

Hailed as “Spirited!” and a “venerable holiday tradition…from the heart!” by The Chicago Tribune, The Apollo Chorus' rendition of Handel’s “Messiah” has been performed every December since 1879—a track record unmatched by other choral organizations. Audiences are sure to be delighted as they experience the power and passion of Messiah as they've never heard it before, while enjoying some of the most iconic music from the Baroque period.

Following the holiday concerts, the music of The Apollo Chorus will continue in February with Bach's Mass in B Minor considered Bach's most profound and beautiful musical piece, on Saturday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave, Naperville. The milestone season concludes with American Masters, celebrating outstanding composer and multiple Emmy winner, Jeff Beal (Netflix's House of Cards), on Friday, May 5, at 7:30 pm at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut Street, Chicago; and Sunday, May 7, at 3:00 pm at Alice Millar Chapel, Northwestern University, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston.

The Apollo Chorus, founded in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire, is one of the most recognizable volunteer choral organizations in the United States. Its approximately 130 auditioned members include men and women of all ages, races, and backgrounds brought together by their love of music. The chorus has performed the master works of the choral repertoire, as well as new masterpieces from contemporary composers. The Apollo Chorus has performed at notable historic events, such as the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, the Century of Progress International Exposition, the opening of Medinah Temple, the opening of Orchestra Hall (Apollo was considered the official chorus of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra prior to the formation of the Symphony Chorus), the opening of Navy Pier, and the “Oprah Surprise Spectacular.” The Apollo Chorus continually strives to advance musically and to share the power, beauty and majesty of choral music by presenting concerts and educational programs for diverse communities throughout Chicago and beyond.

Tickets to Handel’s “Messiah” at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance range from $20-70. To purchase individual tickets or to book a group, call the Harris Theater box office at 312.334.7777 or visit http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/tickets. Visit Apollo Chorus at www.apollochorus.org.