The Bach Society of Dayton will perform Handel’s oratorio “Messiah” for Holy Week

The Bach Society of Dayton will take over the Arbogast Performing Arts Center in Troy on April 13 for a Palm Sunday performance of George Frideric Handel’s oratorio “Messiah.” Featuring the entirety of the group of vocalists, the production will highlight four guest soloists and the guest orchestra for the Bach Society will be led by Concertmaster Aurelian Opera.  

Originally performed in Dublin, Ireland in April 1742, “Messiah” tells the story of the life of Jesus, highlighting Annunciation and Nativity in Act I, the Passion in Act II and the Resurrection in Act III. Famed for its “Hallelujah” chorus,  the program is most often performed during Advent. Performing the oratorio on the first day of Holy Week, though, the Bach Society of Dayton hopes to bring the program back to its appropriate timing, reflecting its original status as an Easter offering. “This concert provides a unique opportunity for families in the region to enjoy this beautiful work as they prepare to celebrate Easter,” says Sharon Norton, President of Bach Society of Dayton. “We are excited to expand audience access to Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ a cultural masterwork seldom performed live in Upper Miami Valley communities.”  

The Bach Society of Dayton is led by Dr. David Crean, a musical director who has built his career as teacher and performer, and has been serving the Dayton Community since 2002. Many of the performers, though, have been using their talent to continue spread the wonders of Classical Music, as this current organization is a continuation of an earlier Dayton Bach Society that dates to the 1970s.  

Tickets and more information are available on the Bach Society of Dayton’s website.