Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WHO: The Austin Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Austin
WHAT: Handel's Messiah
WHEN: December 6, 2005 - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Riverbend Centre, 4214 Capital of Texas Hwy.
TICKETS: $15, $20 & $35
CONTACT: Don Hill, Director of Public Relations - 476-6064 x 213

HANDEL'S MESSIAH: AN AUSTIN SYMPHONY HOLIDAY TRADITION

Season Sponsor: JPMorgan Chase
Concert Sponsor: Emerson Process Management
Media Sponsors: Time Warner Cable/News 8 Austin, Austin American-Statesman,
and KVET 98.1 FM

The magnificent Riverbend Centre's picturesque stone and glass archway will be the setting of an Austin holiday tradition when the Austin Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Austin present Handel's Messiah, Tuesday, December 6th at 8:00 pm. Conductor Kenny Sheppard will conduct one of the most popular oratorios of all time. Guest vocalists include Mela Dailey, soprano; Elizabeth Cass, alto; Christopher LeCluyse, tenor; and Brett Barnes, bass. This concert is being sponsored by Emerson Process Management.

Messiah, composed in just three weeks in 1742, is one of the greatest musical masterpieces of all time, and very possibly the greatest work ever written in England. Written as one man's inspired expression of faith, Messiah has transcended religion and cultures to become the single most performed oratorio in history. Interestingly, it was at a very early performance in 1743 where one of the great traditions of Messiah performances began. Handel's patron, King George II, attended one of the performances and stood up in respect to the Almighty when the "Hallelujah" chorus began. As he was the monarch, the audience respectfully followed his lead, and to this day the tradition of standing during this unforgettable chorus remains. While maintaining its emotional and artistic impact, Messiah remains a constant favorite of the holiday repertoire. Don't miss this timeless Austin tradition. Let the Austin Symphony Orchestra begin the holiday season for you and your family.

Tickets for Handel's Messiah are $15-$35 and are available at www.austinsymphony.org, where you will also discover seating maps, price options and a wealth of concert information. You can also purchase tickets at the Symphony Box Office (Mon. - Fri., 9-5), 11th and Red River or call 476-6064 or 1-888-4-MAESTRO (toll-free).