The New Albany Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in performance.
“Central Ohio classical music lovers will have a reason to exclaim ‘Hallelujah!’ ” writes Peter Tonguette in Sunday’s (4/3) Columbus Dispatch (OH). “Next Sunday at the McCoy Center for the Arts, the New Albany Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will perform George Frideric Handel’s beloved oratorio ‘Messiah.’ … The concert represents something of a comeback for the sacred piece in Greater Columbus: Neither the Columbus Symphony nor the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, both of which usually make performances of the ‘Messiah’ part of their Christmas season offerings, have presented the work during the pandemic…. The New Albany Symphony’s … ‘Messiah’ during the season of Lent is historically accurate: The piece premiered on April 13, 1742, in Dublin, Ireland. ‘We’ll be performing it actually on Palm Sunday,’ said Executive Director Heather Garner.… (A sensory-friendly performance Saturday, featuring an abbreviated version of the ‘Messiah,’ sold out.) … In addition to the chorus, the orchestra, under the direction of Music Director Luis Biava, will be joined by four vocal soloists: baritone Andy Blosser, soprano Chelsea Hart, bass Robert Kerr and alto Carolyn Redman. ‘(We’re) excited to bring these four together to work with us and the chorus,’ Garner said.”
