Chorale Presents Handel's Messiah with Orchestra

The musical Handel’s Messiah will be performed by the Inland Master Chorale on Dec. 13 and 14 at the First United Methodist Church located at 1 East Olive Ave. in Redlands. The 60-member chorale is accompanied by a 16-member orchestra, led by first violin and concert master Mischa Lakirovich. The Chorale’s associate director Melva Morrison will play harpsichord. Soloists featured are sopranos Sally Greenleaf and Susan Meinders, altos Adrianne Haggerty and Dawn Kehret, tenors Michael Duffer and Rick Morrison, and bass James M. Schaefer. The Baroque-era, English-language sacred oratorio has awed listeners for over 250 years. Composed by George F. Handel, the Messiah was first performed in Dublin, Ireland in April 1742 and was intended as a work for Easter and Lent, but since has become a Christmastime tradition. The text, taken mainly from the Book of Common Prayer, is attributed to Charles Jennens. The complete Messiah has 53 movements in three sections, encompassing the life of Jesus Christ. The Chorale’s performance will present 40 of the movements including two instrumentals, and 18 choruses. It is a tradition for the audience to stand during the singing of the most well-known “Hallelujah!” chorus. While Messiah has been done with massive choirs numbering in the hundreds and huge orchestras, Maestro Duffer’s approach is to follow the Baroque musical practices consistent with Messiah’s early performances. Handel often changed the number and voicing of soloists, used his soloists as a chorus, or pulled small ensembles from the main chorus to provide contrast and interest. Individual tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door and $10 for students and children. Concerts begin at 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Children five and under are not admitted. Advance tickets online at www.inlandmasterchorale.org or 909-798-4462.