Collaborative Effort in RI Messiah
RI Musicians and Vocalists Join Forces To Perform Christmas Classic
Rhode Island Philharmonic and the Providence Singers collaborate for the first time to bring Providence audiences an energetic, polished rendition of Handel's Messiah.
Handel’s Messiah is a staple of the Christmas holidays, and Providence audiences enjoyed a new presentation this winter season. For the first time, the Providence Singers and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra joined together to perform Handel’s masterwork in a rich and successful collaboration.
The acoustics at Veterans Memorial Auditorium consistently prove superior to any other venue statewide. Sound invites and envelops at Veterans, complementing and enhancing instrumental and vocal performances.
Richard Heard, the first of four soloists, followed the Philharmonic’s stirring and flawless rendition of Messiah’s “Overture.” Heard’s tenor combined strength and clarity with the performer’s easy confidence. His “Comfort Ye My People” and “Every Valley Shall Be Exalted” blended seamlessly with the orchestra’s accompaniment, and his vocal proved consistent throughout the evening.
Kristen Watson’s light, airy soprano complemented her selections, including “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth.” Watson connects easily to an audience with a winning stage presence and by infusing her engaging personality into her songs.
Mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy approached her solos with grace and poise. Murrihy possesses a strong, full mezzo which showed to great advantage during her Recitatives and especially in her performance of “He Shall Feed His Flock.”
Sumner Thomson’s “The Trumpet Shall Sound” showcased his experienced vocal talent. Thompson’s bass is clear and controlled, resulting in an articulate, robust depth of tone. His vocal potency complemented the message of his Recitatives; Thomson’s authoritative, powerful timbre evoked that of a Heavenly messenger.
Andrew Clark, artistic director of the Providence Singers, conducted this production of the Messiah to near perfection. The Rhode Island Philharmonic created an impressive richness of sound, each note spinning and hovering throughout the Auditorium, while the Providence Singers performed with a practiced, disciplined precision. Their voices carried crisply and distinctly, weaving and blending through Handel’s stirring, challenging chorals, “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” “Worthy is the Lamb,” and a truly magnificent “Hallelujah Chorus.”
George Frederic Handel wrote the Messiah’s score in the summer of 1741, a work he completed in 24 days time. Messiah tells its story without characters, imparting its message through sung Scripture and orchestral accompaniment. The libretto encompasses the prophecies of the coming Messiah in the Old Testament and the promise fulfilled by the coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
For information on upcoming productions and performance dates or to order tickets, call the Providence Singers at (401) 751-5700 or visit their website at Providence Singers website. To reach the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, call (401) 248-7000 or connect online,Rhode ISland Philharmonic website. Both groups additionally offer innovative and comprehensive programs for musical education and community outreach.
