G.F. Handel. MESSIAH Oratorio

2019 / 2020                   Marble Hall                   the 7th Season

25 December * Wednesday * 7.00 pm

Christmas Concert

G.F. Handel

MESSIAH

Oratorio

On 25 December, the Choir and Orchestra of the Astana Opera will perform the oratorio Messiah by G.F. Handel at the State Opera and Ballet Theatre “Astana Opera”.

Messiah is the most famous composition written by Handel, and it remains quite popular among the classical music lovers. The oratorio was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742.

Messiah is the savior Jesus Christ who was sent by God. Initially, the oratorio was intended to be performed at Easter. However, after the composer’s death, it became a tradition to perform Messiah during the period of Advent – Christmas fast, which is the time of anticipating feast and miracle. And the miracle is the birth of Christ.

Messiah narrates about the Wise Men who came to the Infant Jesus with gifts. The oratorio is considered to be one of the most bright and joyous compositions: all that makes a human being suffer, all sorrows are taken aside by the composer, whereas all that brings joy and gives hope for love and happiness is vividly highlighted…

They say that while composing Messiah Handel was often found sobbing at his writing desk, as he was so excited by the wonderful music he penned.

 

SOLOISTS:

Soprano – Alfiya Karimova, Honoured Artist of Bashkortostan

Alto – Saltanat Muratbekova

Tenor – Ramzat Balakishiyev

Bass – Barseg Tumanyan, People’s Artist of Armenia

 

Choir and Orchestra of the Astana Opera

Chief Choirmaster – Yerzhan Dautov, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan

Conductor – Abzal Mukhitdin, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan

 

Running time: 2 hours and 20 minutes (with one interval)

 

Management reserves the right to substitute artists