While amateur performances of baroque composer Handle’s MESSIAH kept the work alive for now approaching 275 years, the prospect of a professional performance, in a stunning venue, is a special treat, and a Buffalo holiday tradition. This year, for one night only, Sunday, November 27 at 7:30 p.m. the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus conducted by their Music Director, Adam Luebke, will join with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and four professional soloists to perform in the opulent splendor of Our Lady of Victory Basilica, 767 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY 14218. Tickets are $20 per person, bpo.org/event/handels-messiah/
In conversation, Luebke explained how he coordinates the four “moving parts” of this production – the chorus, orchestra, soloists, and the venue itself, OLV Basilica. Audiences are encouraged to arrive early, not only because parking will be easier, but also to provide time to look up at the basilica. The basilica is itself “baroque” implying architectural grandeur and exuberance, opulent colors, and dramatic ceiling frescoes. And “basilica?” That comes from the Greek for “royal house,” which is certainly fitting.
The four soloists are Joyce Yin, soprano (flying up from NYC), Katie Hannigan, alto/mezzo-soprano from Rochester, and two local favorites: Tim Schuman, tenor and James Wright, bass/baritone, a favorite of Nickel City Opera fans.
A full performance of MESSIAH (the text of which comes primarily from the Old Testament prophesies and the Psalms) takes a little over 2 hours, and it is in three parts. Part I begins with Isaiah’s prophecy of salvation (“Ev’ry valley shall be exalted” sings the tenor); Part II concerns Christ’s Passion (“He was despised and rejected of men” sings the alto/mezzo soprano ending with the famous “Hallelujah” anthem and fugue for chorus; and then Part III tells of the promise of eternal life (“The trumpet shall sound” sings the bass/baritone). If theology isn’t your thing, just enjoy the music.
The first performance (Easter, 1742) proved to be as wildly popular as expected. Gentlemen were encouraged to remove their swords and ladies were encouraged to wear dresses “without hoops” to make enough room for all the expected patrons. No such dress codes will apply this Sunday.