ECCO takes on Handel’s Messiah
staging of holiday epic will mirror its 1742 original debut
Handel’s Messiah will be performed much like its premier in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13, 1742, with a small choir and chamber orchestra at the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra’s “Glorious Vibrations” concert on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 7:30pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 202 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire. Music Director Ivar Lunde Jr. will conduct new UW-Eau Claire faculty members Jessica Usherwood, soprano, and Bethany Stiles, mezzo-soprano, along with Mark Mowry, tenor, and Kenneth J. Pereira, baritone, and the ECCO Chamber Choir, a group made up of singers from the Eau Claire area (including the Masters Singers, church choirs, and others) in performing a large portion of the oratorio, ending with the beloved “Hallelujah Chorus.” Barbara Young, pianist, will talk about the piece at 6:45pm. Artwork by Bonnie Fetzek and Kris Crowe will be on display. Tickets: Adults, $23; senior citizens, $20; students, $8. Buy in advance at Mega East and West, Neff’s Piano Shop, Festival Foods, or call (715) 831-3331. For more info: www.eauclairechamberorchestra.org, info@eauclairechamberorchestra.org, or (715) 831-3331.