Christmas Concert: Handel's Messiah w/ Chorus Austin and Austin Symphony

Every year we try to do something for Christmas - some sort of live show.  And most years, we include my parents.  For example, we've been to Zach Scott to see Christmas Carol and Long Center for The Nutcracker.  

And, every year, after it's already happened and I see a TV report on it, or mentions online, I say "next year I'll go see Handel's Messiah performed for once in my life".  

We all know two or three selections from the work, but I didn't know much about it other than those bits and that it's a staple.  At this point in my life, I'm not getting younger and I feel like I should take in come of Western Culture's biggest hits. 

So, I rallied my parents, Cousin Sue and Unky B, and Jamie and I met them at Riverbend Center - the multi-function sanctuary of a megachurch here in Austin.  It's both large enough to get a lot of people in and has a stage large enough for the many, many members of Chorus Austin.

The Symphony was conducted by maestro Ryan Heller, who performed barefoot in solidarity with countertenor, Hunter Sabin.  Sabin had burned his feet with boiling water and was doing his best to get around with a scooter. 

The soloists were (as pulled from Facebook)

🎶 Hila Plitmann, soprano @hilaplitmann  

🎶 Hunter Sabin, countertenor @hunter.sabin 

🎶 Jeremiah Tyson, tenor @jeremiahtysontenor 

🎶 Jaison Amos, baritone Jaison Amos

All four were great choices, and had the thousands of folks in the audience rapt.  The crowd was very excited to be there, and there were no disappointments.  

I did not know that Messiah was actually created for Lent, and I don't know why, exactly, it would be.  It's about anticipation of the coming of Christ, and then the arrival of Christ.  But I don't make up the rules about Lent.  No one asks me how to run history and religion.

Hilariously, we were told not to sing along to the Hallelujah Chorus, which I was glad for, because people were pumped - like Neil Diamond just got to Sweet Caroline and they wanted to take part.  But people did stand (not me, my foot was barking by that point, and at 6'5", didn't want to block the view of the short people behind me, even in stadium seating).

Anyway, while the symphonic orchestra was not as gigantic as some, and the chorus not as robust as some you'll see online or on TV - but they were terrific.  So glad to have seen and heard Messiah, if just once in this lifetime.  

I don't have much to say other than that.  Was it moving?  It was!  You don't get many experiences like this out in the 'burbs, and it's just not the same watching and listening to similar on YouTube.  If going to the movies allows you to disappear into a film, going to the symphony lets you become immersed in the music and specifics of the performance.  (We are also going to hear Holst's The Planets in January, which I am deeply excited about).  

Sure, this isn't for everyone, but I am grateful for the experience and to have shared it not just with family, but some family friends, the Neely's, who happened to be there, too.