The Saugeen Times

12th anniversary performance
of Handel's "Messiah"
in Kincardine Dec. 18

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The Saugeen County Chorus and Orchestra Grey Bruce will present Handel's "Messiah" in their 12th anniversary performance, on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 8 p.m., at Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine.

This inspiring musical event has become a favourite Christmas tradition for many in Grey, Bruce and Huron counties.

George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" is one of the most-renowned pieces of English choral music. Handel composed the "Messiah" in 24 days without once leaving his house.

"Considering the immensity of the work, and the short time involved in putting it to paper, it will remain, perhaps forever, the greatest feat in the whole history of musical composition." - Newman Flowers, publisher

The "Messiah" was first performed in Dublin in 1742, and immediately won huge popular success.

At a March performance in 1743 at the beginning of the now-famous "Hallelujah" chorus, King George II rose to his feet and remained standing until the end of the number. As a matter of protocol, no one could remain seated while the King was standing, so the whole audience stood throughout. The tradition remains to this day of the audience standing for the "Hallelujah" chorus."

The Saugeen County Chorus and Orchestra Grey Bruce feature performers from Port Elgin and Southampton, and surrounding Grey, Bruce and Huron counties. Joining them are members of the Georgian Bay Symphony Orchestra and young professionals from this region.

Featured soloists:

Soprano Nicole Dubinsky is currently completing her MMUS in Voice Performance and Literature at the University of Western Ontario, studying with Sophie Roland. A recent graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours BMUS in Voice Performance and a Diploma in Opera, in 2011 Nicole will be performing the roles of Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro and the Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte. This is Nicole's third Messiah for the Kincardine Summer Music Festival and only last weekend she performed this work with Hamilton's Bach Elgar Choir and Orchestra.

Alto Amanda Wilhelm, mezzo-soprano, graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University this fall, attaining her Diploma in Opera as well as her Honours Bachelor of Music in voice performance, studying with Daniel Lichti and Kathleen Brett. Amanda is currently a resident of Kitchener-Waterloo studying with Victor Martens. Having performed at many area churches and concert halls, she is also in her fifth year as a choral scholar at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Kitchener. Over the past four years, Amanda has been the alto soloist for "Messiah" with several choirs around Southern Ontario.

Tenor Roger Chabot is currently finishing up his last year at Wilfrid Laurier University studying voice with Dan Lichti to graduate with a degree in music theory. He is involved with the school's opera production and he is presently Music Director for Laurier Musical Theatre. He hopes to pursue a career in singing and teaching.

Bass Tavis Weber studied music at Wilfrid Laurier University. He has been a soloist for the WLU Choir and WLU Baroque Ensemble on numerous occasions and is a member of the Grand Philharmonic Adult and Chamber choirs. He has been involved in many opera productions with the WLU opera program.

Trumpet solo Al Mullin: Al is a trumpet player, music educator and conductor who for over 25 years taught instrumental music for the Avon Maitland DSB at Goderich Collegiate and Central Huron Secondary School. For many years Al worked in the Grey/Bruce/Huron area as leader of the Lighthouse Swing Band. Since his retirement from teaching in 2000, he has travelled the world, playing in show bands, dance bands and jazz with the major cruise ship companies.

Handel's "Messiah" is a fund-raising event for the Kincardine Summer Music Festival. Tickets are $15 each and are available at Jerome Flowers and Gifts and the Kincardine Scottish Shop in downtown Kincardine, Dalton's Pottery in Ripley, and from choir and orchestra members, or by calling the box office at 519-396-9400.

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Monday, December 13, 2010