Submitted by the Bellingham Chamber Chorale
The Bellingham Chamber Chorale is thrilled to present Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, June 15 (noon) and Sunday, June 16 (5 pm) at the historic Church of the Assumption. This extraordinary event will showcase a stellar lineup of soloists, including the internationally acclaimed Katie Van Kooten, Rosamund Dyer, Stephen Rumph, and Charles Robert Stephens.
Tickets for Handel’s Messiah are on sale at www.bellinghamchamberchorale.org or can be purchased at the door, 30 minutes before each concert.
Under the leadership of the esteemed Dr. Frederick Mabalot, the Bellingham Chamber Chorale will perform Handel’s timeless masterpiece. Dr. Mabalot, an accomplished composer, highly respected artistic director, and conductor, is renowned for his ability to elicit powerful performances from his singers and orchestral musicians, ensuring a truly transformative musical experience.
The BCC will be joined on stage by four soloists from the Pacific Northwest. Soprano Katie Van Kooten has received praise for her “refined and powerful soprano with feeling and intelligence.” Tenor Stephen Rumph is known for his “soaringly beautiful, unspeakably tender, and incisive and well-controlled” voice, and baritone, Charles Robert Stephens’ performances, have been lauded for “a committed characterization and a voice of considerable beauty.” Recent Oberlin Conservatory graduate Rosamund Dyer returns to Bellingham, after stints with Pacific Northwest opera and artistic management in New York, performing as the alto soloist.
While Handel’s Messiah is often associated with Christmas, this iconic masterpiece, composed in just 24 days in 1741, was premiered in April 1742, just a few weeks after Easter. The libretto, a collection of Scripture, beautifully weaves together the events of Easter and Christmas, making it a significant piece of work that extends beyond the Nativity story to encompass the entire life of Jesus Christ. Experiencing the whole of Handel’s work in the spring offers a unique perspective, allowing for a deeper and more meaningful connection to the themes of redemption, hope, and resurrection beautifully woven throughout Messiah.
Come and be moved by a profound and uplifting performance that can stir a sense of spiritual renewal and rejuvenation, perfectly aligning with the spirit of spring. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with this timeless classic — join us for a performance of Handel’s Messiah!
Take advantage of this opportunity to experience one of the greatest works of Western music, performed by some of the most talented musicians and singers in the Pacific Northwest.
