Handel’s Messiah

with the NAC Orchestra

2024-12-18 19:00 2024-12-19 22:00 60 Canada/Eastern 🎟 NAC: Handel’s Messiah

https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/36096

In-person event

A holiday classic, Handel’s Messiah is a highlight for many during the festive season, and this year, it is conducted by a returning member of the NAC Orchestra family. The program is led by Trevor Pinnock, harpsichordist and principal NAC Orchestra conductor from 1991–1996, whose affinity for Messiah is apparent and makes the experience extra special. The performance also includes two favourite Ottawa vocal ensembles: the Cantata Singers of Ottawa and the Capital...

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Southam Hall,1 Elgin Street,Ottawa,Canada
December 18 - 19, 2024
December 18 - 19, 2024
7:00 pm EST

December 2024

  1. Dec 18 2024
    Wednesday

    7:00pm

  2. Dec 19 2024
    Thursday

    7:00pm

Close schedule
Music Classical music Masterworks Vocal Holidays
  • GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL Messiah, HWV 56
  • In-person event
  • ≈ 2 hours and 30 minutes · With intermission
  • A holiday classic, Handel’s Messiah is a highlight for many during the festive season, and this year, it is conducted by a returning member of the NAC Orchestra family.
  • The program is led by Trevor Pinnock, harpsichordist and principal NAC Orchestra conductor from 1991–1996, whose affinity for Messiah is apparent and makes the experience extra special.
  • The performance also includes two favourite Ottawa vocal ensembles: the Cantata Singers of Ottawa and the Capital Chamber Choir.

Classical fans and newbies alike have been seeking out the soul-stirring experience of Messiah for almost 300 years, and for good reason – Handel created some of the most beloved musical storytelling the world has ever known.

Handel wrote this masterpiece in just 24 days to safeguard his livelihood at a time when expensive operas were becoming less popular and more challenging to produce. In keeping with the Christmas spirit, Handel supported charitable causes in Dublin with its first three performances, and they were a runaway success from the start.

Fun fact: In a centuries-old tradition, some audience members stand when the “Hallelujah” chorus is sung. The story goes that King George II was so moved by the music when it premiered in London that he sprang to his feet–and when the King stands, everybody stands.

Special guest conductor Trevor Pinnock was artistic director and principal conductor of the NAC Orchestra from 1991 to 1996, and his return to the podium of Southam Hall is always a cause for celebration. Maestro Pinnock “seems to have a special feeling for Handel’s Messiah” (Ottawa Citizen), and he never fails to find the beauty in every note. 

The Cantata Singers of Ottawa have performed with the NAC Orchestra every year since the NAC opened in 1969. The Capital Chamber Choir has long distinguished itself as one of Ottawa’s premier vocal ensembles.

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
  • 7:00 pm
Dec 19
  • 7:00 pm
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22

Artists

  • trevor-pinnock-credit-peer-lindgreen
    Conductor Trevor Pinnock
  • bio-orchestra
    NAC Orchestra
  • karina-gauvin-c-michael-slobodian-headshot-web
    Soprano Karina Gauvin
  • capture-dyecran-2024-11-01-104103
    Contralto Claudia Huckle
  • isaiah-bell-headshot-2022-2
    Tenor Isaiah Bell
  • hegedus-photo3hires-cropped
    Bass-Baritone Stephen Hegedus
  • cantata-singers-ottawa-m2tcsh7j-400x400-headshot-fb
    Choir Cantata Singers of Ottawa
  • capital-choir
    Choir Capital Chamber Choir
  • andrewmcanerney
    Artistic Director, Cantata Singers of Ottawa Andrew McAnerney
  • Artistic Director, Capital Chamber Choir Jamie Loback
  • hunt-mccoy-tobi-fred-cattroll-535
    Stage Manager Tobi Hunt McCoy