Several generations of Angelenos have grown up celebrating the holidays at the Los Angeles Master Chorale’s annual Messiah Sing-Along, and this season marks the big three-o for the crowd-pleasing holiday tradition. To mark the milestone, the Chorale’s acclaimed Music Director, Grant Gershon, conducts two performances of Handel’s masterpiece at Walt Disney Concert Hall Sunday, December 5, 2010, 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 19, 2010, 7 p.m. Gershon may even ask the audience to sing Happy Birthday to the Sing-Along, which LA Weekly calls “a holiday bestseller.â€
Each Sing-Along performance features a different quartet of professional singers from the Chorale singing the solo roles. The rest of the Chorale takes the night off and lets the audience itself sing the chorus parts, filling the landmark venue with and exuberant and robust sound. Scores are available for sale at the door, or audience members can bring their own.
“If anyone has yet to experience the Messiah Sing-Along,†notes Gershon, “this is the year to jump in and be a part of the musical magic. You can’t help but feel the holiday spirit when you’re literally surrounded by 2,100 people joined together in song. It puts a whole new spin on one’s sense of community.â€
Chorale members performing as soloists on December 5 are Harriet Fraser, soprano; Leslie Inman, mezzo-soprano; James Callon, tenor; and Abdiel Gonzalez, bass. On December 19, the soloists are Chorale members Tamara Bevard, soprano; Janelle DeStefano, mezzo-soprano; Brandon Hynum, tenor; and Melvir Ausente, bass.
Tickets range from $19 – $79. Group rates are available. Messiah scores are available at the door for $10. For tickets and information, please call (213) 972-7282, or visit www.lamc.org. (Tickets can no longer be purchased at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office except on concert days starting 2 hours prior to the performance.)
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is located at 111 South Grand Avenue at First Street in downtown Los Angeles.
