A holiday tradition: ‘Messiah’ by the Vermont Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus

Nov. 18, 2022  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

The Vermont Philharmonic Orchestra performs a 'Messiah' concert at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Montpelier. Courtesy photo

As Vermont enters the season of cold and dark, Handel’s beloved “Messiah” brings warmth, light and joy performed by the Vermont Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus on Dec. 2 and 4. 

Conducted by Lisa Jablow, the orchestra and chorus present two holiday performances in Montpelier and Barre. 

The concert on Friday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. will be held at St Augustine Church in Montpelier; the Sunday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m. performance is at the Barre Opera House.  

The Vermont Philharmonic will present the entire first part of “Messiah,” with arias and choral numbers that contemplate the idea of a messiah, foretell the coming, and hail the arrival.  The concert concludes with the famous “Hallelujah” chorus from Part II, and six numbers from Part III celebrating redemption.

The “Messiah” performances this year will use Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s orchestration of the familiar arias and choruses, adding flutes, clarinets, French horns, and trombones to Handel’s orchestra. Audiences will still hear Handel’s beloved melodies with Mozart’s addition of color. 

The soloists for the concerts include Lillian Broderick, soprano; Carolyn Dickinson, contralto; Neil Cerutti, tenor, and Erik Kronke, bass. Mary Jane Austin is the assistant choral director.

Now in its 64th season, the Vermont Philharmonic has been making music since 1959 as Vermont’s oldest community orchestra. 

Tickets: $20, adults; $15, seniors; $5, students. Purchase at the door or online at vermontphilharmonic.com.