Join us this Easter Sunday at 1 pm to hear a Philadelphia Orchestra concert that actually kicked off the holiday season in grand style this past December. WRTI will broadcast a joyous performance of Handel's Messiah, with a world-class roster of vocalists, a chorus of talented voices from throughout our region, and the musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra, all conducted by Yannick Nezet-Seguin.
This performance welcomed the return of the Scottish mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill, and English tenor Andrew Staples, whose deeply emotive performances in Bach’s St. Matthew Passion have moved Philadelphia audiences in past seasons.
Canadian Soprano Karina Gauvin also returned for this Messiah, after her riveting 2012 appearances in the work. English Bass Matthew Rose - who studied at the Curtis Institute here in Philadelphia - made his debut with this appearance, and Yannick also welcomed the addition of French countertenor Christophe Dumaux for this interpretation of Handel’s masterpiece.
The soloists were joined by the Philadelphia Voices – a newly assembled chorus, directed by Curtis faculty member Jonathan Coopersmith – and their members filled the conductor’s circle behind and above the stage.
During the brief intermission, WRTI's Susan Lewis speaks backstage with Yannick.
Be sure to join us for this performance of the most famous oratorio ever written, a perfect accompaniment for your Easter Sunday activities, from 1 until approximately 3:45 pm on WRTI.
PROGRAM:
Handel – Messiah Part 1
INTERMISSION:
Parts 2 and 3
Karina Gauvin, Soprano
Karen Cargill, Mezzo-soprano
Christophe Dumaux, Countertenor
Andrew Staples, tenor
Matthew Rose, Bass
The Philadelphia Voices
Jonathan Coopersmith - Choral Direction
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nezet-Seguin, Conductor
Gregg Whiteside is producer and host of The Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert broadcasts on WRTI 90.1 FM in Philadelphia and streaming online at WRTI.org, every Sunday from 1 to 3 pm.