Earlier today (12/16), I went up to Lincoln Center, intending to get a standing room ticket to the Met’s performance of Jacques Offenbach’s Les Contes d’ Hoffmann. I already saw this new production on opening night (and went to the gala, which I will write about soon), so I decided to see what the New York Philharmonic was doing tonight and if student tickets were available. They were doing G.F. Handel’s Messiah. They had student tickets available, so I decided that in the spirit of “’tis the season” I would see Messiah instead. The student ticket cost me $14 and I was in the orchestra!
I came back just in time for the 7:30 performance of Messiah.
About Messiah:
Handel’s Messiah is regarded by many as Handel’s greatest oratorio. This was my first time seeing it performed. Before this, I had really only heard the Overture and the famous “Hallelujah” chorus. I thought all the singers were excellent. Here is the cast:
Helmuth Rilling, Conductor
Annette Dasch, Soprano, NY Phil Debut
Daniel Taylor, Countertenor, NY Phil Debut
James Taylor, Tenor
Shenyang, Bass, NY Phil Debut
Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, chorus
Rilling seamlessly led the New York Philharmonic through a beautiful holiday performance. I especially loved Shenyang, winner of the 2007 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition. One of the aspect of the oratorio that I liked was the different texts used. The texts range from Isaiah to Revelations. Handel's juxtaposition of works from the New and Old Testament is a true testament to his genius.
I am happy that the audience was aware of the tradition of standing for the “Hallelujah” chorus. Actually, I was quite surprised that everyone stood up right away when they began (except for one guy in front of me). You can read about the tradition of standing up here.
Since they did an abridged version of Messiah, it ended at around 10:00. After the performances, I decided to go next door and see if the opera was almost at intermission. The second act was just finishing. I decided to stand outside and see if anyone was leaving. Within two minutes a nice gentleman gave me the pass to get back in, along with his front row ticket! I enjoyed seeing the last act and the epilogue again (and I plan to see the whole thing again next Wednesday). Afterwards, I went to the stage door and got my playbill signed. I thought it was cool that most of the singers remembered me from the opening night gala.
of course, they remembered you at the gala! and all the others.... see, you weren't missing out by skipping flamenco for lincoln center
ReplyDeleteHa ha! I still think flamenco would have been fun! A little change in my repertoire...
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, by the way...first comment!