Contact: Gretchen Miller Basso Public Relations Director The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Phone: 407/896-6700 x 223 Fax: 407/896-5512 gmiller@orlandophil.org www.orlandophil.org

The Orlando Philharmonic Continues its Celebration of the Holiday Season With Handel’s Messiah

(Orlando, FL – October 25, 2006) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra combines forces with the celebrated Orlando Chorale to present George Frideric Handel’s Holiday Masterwork, Messiah. Handel’s Messiah, the second concert in the Philharmonic’s Focus Series, is presented on Monday, December 4, 7:00 PM in the Margeson Theater in the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins Street, Orlando.

Composed to satisfy the operatic yearnings of Londoners during the season of Lent when they were forbidden to attend the theater, Handel's Messiah is the most popular full-scale musical setting of a sacred text in the Western world today. It includes references to the prophecies, the Annunciation, the coming of Christ, the Passion, and the Resurrection. Yet it is not a liturgical work at all, but a broad treatment of the Christian notion of salvation. The Philharmonic’s performance features sections from all three parts of the work, with a focus on the Christmas portion and includes the beloved Hallelujah Chorus.

This chamber orchestra performance is presented in a “theater in the round” environment, giving the audience an intimate concert experience. Maestro Christopher Wilkins, who leads this performance, will provide discourse about the work and the composer, providing an educational, as well as a musical experience.

Featured on the program are the beautiful voices of The Orlando Chorale, led by music director and founder Gregory Ruffer. This 60-voice choir of professional and experienced singers is dedicated to the performance of classic works and new musical treasures, bringing a fresh sound to Central Florida's rich cultural landscape.

Also on the program are soloists Marcy Richardson, soprano; Miran Moon Kim, alto; Aaron Pegram, tenor; and Donovan Singletary, bass baritone.

This combination of instruments and voices together to perform this celebrated Holiday work is sure to highlight your celebration of the holiday season.

Tickets to Handel’s Messiah are $26 and $36, and can be purchased by phoning the Orlando Philharmonic’s Box Office at 407-770-0071, or on the Philharmonic’s website at: www.orlandophil.org.

This concert is also being performed on Friday, December 1 at 8:00 PM at the University of Central Florida in the Visual Arts Building. Tickets are $10 for the general public and are free to all UCF employees & students. For tickets, phone: 407-823-2869.

The program will be performed on Sunday, December 3 at 3:00 PM at Community Presbyterian Church in Celebration. Tickets are $20. To purchase tickets, phone: 407-566-1234.

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