NSO and Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut to bring 'Messiah' to Norwalk'

Published 1:06  p.m., Monday, December 13, 2010

The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra and the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut will present Handel's Messiah on Saturday Dec. 18, at 8 p.m. at the Norwalk Concert Hall, 125 East Ave..

One of the most familiar pieces of sacred music ever written, this holiday favorite, complete with its famed Hallelujah Chorus will be performed by two of Fairfield County's most venerable music institutions. The Norwalk Symphony under the direction of Diane Wittry is in its 71st season and the Mendelssohn Choir, under the direction of Carole Ann Maxwell is celebrating its 25 years of choral music.

"Messiah" soloists include the quickly emerging, powerful young soprano Colleen Daly; contralto Kirsten Sollek who was hailed as "...an appealingly rich alto" by The New York Times; smooth-voiced tenor Lawrence Jones ("stylish and clear tenor" Opera News) and Fairfield County resident and longtime professional, bass/baritone Thomas Woodman.

Typically a sold-out event, patrons are urged to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are available through the symphony box office at (203) 847-8844 or at the concert hall on the night of the performance. Tickets are $30-50 / Students: $10.

The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra is a passionate group of professional musicians serving Norwalk and its neighboring towns, the heart of Fairfield County. Its mission is to provide friends with the opportunity to explore and discover the joys of orchestral music in an informal fashion. For more than 70 years, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra has been a vital part of the fabric of the communities it serves and continues to enrich audiences' cultural experience through live performances, pre-concert discussions and educational activities for all ages.