Chorale performs Handel's 'Messiah'

The full Glacier Chorale accompanied by chamber orchestra of Glacier Symphony musicians, will perform George Frideric Handel’s iconic choral work “Messiah” in three venues in Flathead Valley over the weekend of Dec. 2-4.

Artistic Director of the GSC, John Zoltek, will conduct the ensemble.

Zoltek says the Messiah has become somewhat of a mainstay of the Christmas season, though it was actually originally written to be performed during the Easter season to celebrate the incarnation and resurrection of Christ and his ultimate glorification in heaven. The GSC will perform a shorter “Christmas portion” of the popular piece that focuses on some of Messiah’s best loved, magnificent choruses including “And the Glory of the Lord” and the majestic “He Shall Purify.” It will conclude with the popular “Halleluiah Chorus” considered to be one of the greatest sacred selections of the entire choral repertory. Performing the solo sections of the Messiah will be singers from the Glacier Chorale. They include soprano Barbara Burch, alto Kari Donovan, tenor Josh Holloway and bass Brad Seaman.

Handel completed the score for Messiah in a flash of what he called divine inspiration in just over two weeks. The oratorio is defined as a dramatic narrative work for orchestra soloists and chorus.

“Because of Handel’s opera experience he was able to meld perfect dramatic quality into this his greatest oratorio and work,” said Zoltek. “It is astounding that this work has held large popularity for nearly 300 years! This is unprecedented in music history.”

On Friday, Dec. 2, the concert will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork, at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 3 the concert moves to Whitefish Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. The final concert is Sunday, Dec. 4 with a matinée performance at 3 p.m. at Flathead High School Performance Hall in Kalispell.

Tickets are available in a range of pricing at each venue. Buy online at www.gscmusic.org or call the GSC Box Office at 406-407-7000, located at 69 N. Main. St. in Kalispell. Box Office purchases are subject to a $2 service fee.

The performances are supported by season benefactors Snappy Sport Senter and KGEZ radio.

The Firebrand Hotel, located across the street from the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, is offering a discount of $1 off wine or draft beer purchased before or after the concert when patrons show their concert ticket from the Whitefish performance. For those who might want to make a weekend of it, the hotel is offering $99 room nights for concert ticket holders.

For more information about the hotel and its amenities call 406-863-1900.