Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah

Special concerts

Saturday

16.12.202319:30

Concert Hall

Seats

Performers

Marin Alsop – conductor

NOSPR

Polish National Youth Choir

Agnieszka Franków-Żelazny – choir preparation

Zwakele Tshabalala – tenor

Vanessa Haynes – mezzo-soprano

Marcin Kaletka – tenor saxophone

Marek Podkowa – tenor saxophone

Jerzy Główczewski – alto saxophone

Jacek Owsianka – alto saxophone

Mariusz Mączka – baritone saxophone

Andy Massey – jazz piano

Adam Dennis – Hammond B3 organ

Don Richardson – acoustic jazz bass & electric bass

Matt French – drum set

Bob Christianson, Gary Anderson – arrangement

Marin Alsop – design concept

Program

Too hot to Handel – The Gospel Messiah

Sinfonia

Comfort Ye

Every Valley

And the Glory of the Lord

Thus Said the Lord

But Who May Abide?

And He Shall Purify

Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive

O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion

For Behold Darkness shall cover the Earth

For Unto Us a Child is Born

There Were Shepherds Abiding in the Field

And Suddenly There Was an Angel

Glory to God

Too hot to Handel – The Gospel Messiah

Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion

Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind be Opened

He Shall Feed His Flock

Behold The Lamb

Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs

All We Like Sheep

He Trusted in God That He Would Deliver Him

Behold I Tell You a Mystery

The Trumpet Shall Sound

Hallelujah!

„Händel as you have never heard him before!” – such is the slogan advertising the concert developed around Marin Alsop’s original concept. Indeed, the Messiah arranged by Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson is entirely unique. For a stronger experience, more active participation and living the story anew, the artists gave the oratorio a wholly new face. What is the reinterpreted Messiah, then? Swinging! Händel’s refreshed work reaches for jazz, gospel, R&B, soul, funk, and pop. „The melodies and the text are identical with the original. The emotions have changed – they are as in a rock concert!” – is how Marin Alsop invites listeners. NOSPR under her baton will be joined by top-tier Polish saxophonists, the Polish National Youth Choir, BBC Concert Orchestra soloists, as well Zwakele Tshabalala, a young generation tenor from South Africa, and the mezzo-soprano Vanessa Haynes – one of the most recognisable soul voices in the British Isles.

Concert duration: approximately 60 minutes