The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s gift to the city this season is a wonderfully shaped, gorgeously glowing performance of George Frideric Handel’s 1742 oratorio Messiah.
With the help of four excellent soloists and an expertly prepared Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, visiting conductor — and Handel specialist — Nicholas McGegan brought an easy bounce and infectious sense of enthusiasm to this Christmastime favourite at Roy Thomson Hall on Tuesday night.
There was an audible, palpable buzz in the air after Tuesday evening’s first Toronto Symphony Orchestra performance of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. It was like going home after a pop concert.
George Frideric Handel’s 1742 composition, the story of the prophecy, birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ, is a Christmas staple around the world and a steadfast Toronto tradition. Originally written as Easter music, it is performed here at this time of year by many choirs including Tafelmusik, Amadeus Choir, Elmer Iseler Singers, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and many church groups.
The 150-voice Mendelssohn Choir sings a five-concert series of the Messiah with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall beginning Tuesday, Dec. 18.