National Philharmonic Brings Music of Handel to Bethesda

Musicians from the National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale will come together this winter at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda to perform George Frideric Handel’s three-part Messiah.

A German composer, Handel wrote Messiah in 1741 and it has since become his most famous piece, as well as one of the most celebrated works of choral literature in all of Western music.

Handel divides Messiah in three parts that tell of Christ’s life, beginning with stories of Advent and Christmas, then chronicles of his passion, resurrection and ascension, and finally his second coming.

First performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742, the complete work includes movements like “The Trumpet Shall Sound,” “And the Glory of the Lord,” and the famous “Hallelujah Chorus.”

The Music Center at Strathmore, located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda, will hold two National Philharmonic performances: one on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m., and another on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m.

Conducting the nearly 200-member choir will be Artistic Director Dr. Stan Engebretson, who has led choirs in Venice’s Cathedral of St. Mark and taught in Cologne, Trier, St. Moritz, and Barcelona.

The performance will feature four choral soloists: internationally-praised Bach soloist and soprano singer Rosa Lamoreaux; award-winning mezzo-soprano singer Margaret Mezzacappa; accomplished tenor Matthew Smith; and bass singer Kevin Deas, who is best known for his portrayal of the title role in Porgy and Bess.

The venue will also offer a free lecture prior to each performance. National Philharmonic Associate Conductor Victoria Gau will lead the discussion, addressing the composer’s life and works, and what audience members can expect from the upcoming performance. Saturday’s lecture begins at 6:45 p.m. and Sunday’s at 1:45 p.m.

To purchase tickets for this event, visit the National Philharmonic online or call the Strathmore box office at 301-581-5100. Tickets range from $28 to $84 for adults and children aged 17 and below may attend the performance for free.

Photo credit: Don Lassell; photo courtesy of the National Philharmonic at Strathmore

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