Vancouver, BC:
Every December for nearly 90 years, the Vancouver Bach Choir has taken to the stage to perform one of the world’s most famous choral masterpieces, Handel’s Messiah. This December is no exception, as the choir brings its celebrated production to the Bell Performing Arts Centre for the first time on Saturday, December 8th at 7:30pm. Under the baton of Music Director Leslie Dala, an ensemble of celebrated local soloists and the newly founded Surrey City Orchestra join the choir to bring to life this time honoured and celebrated musical masterpiece – capped off by the iconic Hallelujah chorus.
“In the lengthy history of the Vancouver Bach Choir, no single work has been more performed – or more well-loved – than Handel’s Messiah,” says Leslie Dala, Music Director of the choir. “This masterpiece is the very embodiment of holiday spirit; sharing the story of Christ’s life and death through joyful, profound music that transcends time and faith – touching the hearts of all who hear it.”
Since its debut in 1742, Handel’s Messiah has been a resounding success, popular all over the world in celebration of both the Christmas and Easter holidays. It is said that Handel composed the entire work in a three week frenzy, upon which he remarked, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God Himself.” Whatever his inspiration, the work has stood the test of the time and contains some of the most memorable moments in music, including the famous Hallelujah chorus.
The evening will feature four local soloists that demonstrate the incredible depth of talent present in the lower Mainland. Soloists like Vancouver based Tyler Simpson who sang for seven seasons at the Metropolitan Opera, or local favourite, counter-tenor Shane Hanson, fresh off winning the local Metropolitan Council Auditions for the second year in a row. These soloists will share the stage with the Surrey City Orchestra; a new organization that aims to build a professional orchestra comprised of Surrey area musicians, including members of the Borealis String Quartet.
Tickets begin at just $18 for this holiday concert and can be found by visiting the Bach Choir website at vancouverbachchoir.com or contact the Bell Centre office directly.
About the Vancouver Bach Choir: The Vancouver Bach Choir (VBC), celebrating its 88th season, is an award-winning symphonic choir committed to offering vibrant and culturally diverse choral experiences to its audiences.
As one of the largest choral organizations in Canada, the Vancouver Bach Choir explores a wide range of repertoire from the past to the present with passion and commitment. With eight choirs ranging in age from 5 to 80, the VBC continues to pursue choral excellence at all levels and presents numerous concerts each year through the metro Vancouver region.
Over the past eight decades, the choir has performed with numerous world-class musicians. Currently under the baton of Maestro Leslie Dala, the VBC continues its mission and tradition to share the beauty of new and traditional choral music with as wide an audience as possible.
Listing Information:
Vancouver Bach Choir presents Handel’s Messiah
Conductor: Leslie Dala
Featuring: Vancouver Bach Choir and Surrey City Orchestra
Soprano: Elaina Moreau (Surrey BC)
Counter Tenor: Shane Hanson (Chilliwack BC)
Tenor: Martin Renner Wallace (Delta BC)
Bass Baritone: Tyler Simpson (Vancouver BC)
Date: Saturday, December 8th, 2018 | 7:30pm
Ticket Prices: Tickets start at $18
Address: Bell Performing Arts Centre
6250 144 St, Surrey, BC V3X 1A2
Box Office: purchase tickets online at vancouverbachchoir.com, by phone at (604) 507-6355 or in person at the Bell Centre Box Office, 6250 144 St. Surrey BC.
