Stratford Concert Choir and Stratford Symphony Orchestra unite for very special performance of Messiah

Celebrate a grand collaboration of the Stratford Concert Choir and Stratford Symphony Orchestra who come together to perform Handel’s Messiah at Avondale United Church this December.

The beloved holiday tradition of the performance of Messiah will be extra special this year as the Stratford Concert Choir (SCC) and the Stratford Symphony Orchestra (SSO) collaborate to bring the grand experience to audiences. There will be two performances, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.

This collaboration seemed like a natural one, according to the SCC.

“The choir brings the culture of performing Messiah for many years and the symphony is a mature organization and a strong audience. There hasn’t been a big Messiah like this in Stratford for a long time,” said Alexander Cann, artistic director of SCC and conductor for the performance.

The orchestra and choir are similar in scale to what George Frederic Handel originally conceived.

“I’m in the fortunate position of having the strong culture that comes from the choir with the wonderful skill of the SSO. My job is really easy: just trust your artists,” said Cann.

The audience can look forward to four soloists: Bethany Horst (soprano), Maria Soulis (alto), Ernesto Ramirez (tenor) and Chris Palmer (bass).

Cann’s long-term goals are to kindle that joy of singing in an ensemble while performing and connecting with other artists and arts organizations.

“It will be a very positive experience for everyone because it’s one of those, ‘When you build it, they will come’ scenarios. There’s already a buzz in the community about it and I think it will be very joyous. Handel’s Messiah is one of the all-time great masterpieces,” said Cann.

The concert takes place Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at Avondale United Church. Tickets are available online at stratfordsymphony.ca/Handels_Messiah/. Prices are $45 for adult, $20 for students and $10 for children under 12.