The Easton Choral Arts Society, now in its 36th season, will present its annual Christmas event featuring the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah as well as audience favorites including “Hallelujah Chorus” and “Worthy is the Lamb” on December 7 at 8:00 p.m. and December 8 at 3:00 p.m. at the Talbot County Auditorium on the Easton High School campus.
In recent years, the annual concert has drawn audience members who have traveled a significant distance to hear one of the most popular oratorios of all time. This year, ticket requests have already come from throughout the eastern shore, northern Virginia and, if the past repeats itself, Delaware. “For many people, the Christmas season just isn’t complete until they’ve attended a performance of ‘Messiah’. Many will drive surprisingly lengthy distances for this particular performance,” says Wes Lockfaw artistic director of the nearly 80 member choral society.
This year’s soloists for “Messiah” will include an impressive line-up of artists from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Georgiann Gibson who performs regularly throughout the shore and at the U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis will return as soprano soloist. This performance will be her third appearance with the choral society.
Kristen Dubenion Smith, recognized for her lush vocal quality, will perform the mezzo roles. This will be her second performance in Easton in December as she will also be featured with the highly regarded Eya Ensemble at Easton’s Christ Church in an exquisite concert for Advent, The Jesse Tree.
Joshua Baumgardner, who made his European singing debut in 2010 as Tamino in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte at the Mittelsächsisches Theater in Freiberg, Germany will be the featured tenor soloist.
The line-up will be completed with Antony Zwerdling, bass, who has been featured in more than twenty-five roles with a host of performing companies including the Washington National Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Washington Concert Opera, and Opera Boston. As an Oratorio singer, he has appeared as a soloist with the Washington Bach Consort, Washington Master Chorale, Baltimore Choral Arts Society, Saratoga Chamber Singers, and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra.Tickets for Messiah are $20 for adults and $5 for students. To purchase tickets, please visit www.eastonchoralarts.org or call 410-200-0498. Tickets may also be obtained through chorus members.
Easton Choral Arts Society, Inc. is sponsored in part by the Talbot County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council.
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