THE ERIE PHILHARMONIC BRINGS A HOLIDAY CONCERT YOU WON’T WANT TO ‘MESSIAH’ OUT ON!

December 8, 2021 – Handel’s Messiah Returns! After a pandemic instilled hiatus in 2020, George Frideric Handel’s Messiah is back with two performances for what is promised to be a powerful and moving production at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant on Saturday, December 11 at 3pm and 8pm.

Handel’s Messiah, thrilling audiences every time it’s performed, is the most performed and perhaps most beloved of all the great choral masterworks.  You may have heard bits of Messiah ringing out from churches, concert halls or radios around Easter and Christmas, particularly the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus and ‘For Unto Us A Child Is Born’.  Performing the piece around Yuletide became a national obsession in Britain in the Victorian era –– and that obsession has never quite abated.

Legend has it that Handel composed Messiah in just 24 days without getting much sleep or food. While writing the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus Handel’s servant discovered him with tears in his eyes and he exclaimed, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself seated on His throne, with his company of Angels.”  Messiah, in short, tells a story of humanity’s redemption, a pointed and appropriate message for yet another holiday season in the midst of a pandemic.

Patrons will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test upon arrival (PCR within 72 hours, antigen within 24 hours including at-home tests). All patrons must wear their mask when inside a concert venue.

The concert will be led by Erie Philharmonic Chorus Director Thomas Brooks, and soloists will include soprano Elizabeth Baldwin, mezzo soprano Joan Marie Peitscher, baritone Eddie Pleasant and tenor Wesley Lawrence.

Baldwin has been called "ferociously talented" by the San Francisco Examiner and "mesmerizingly vulnerable" by the New York Times. Peitscher is known for her "rich sound and moving performances," and Edward Pleasant is considered "one of the most versatile performers of his generation." Wesley Lawrence has appeared in shows across America and Europe. His accomplishments include performing as Rodolfo in Puccini's La Bohème in Italy and the solos in Dubois' Seven Last Words of Christ.

Join the Erie Philharmonic and the Philharmonic Chorus to revel in history, beauty and significance this holiday season with the return of Handel’s Messiah!

Messiah Events:

Thursday, December 9, 2021 @ 6:30pm

Friday, December 10, 2021 @ 12pm

Saturday, December 11, 2021 @ 3pm & 8pm

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