Planning for the future
This summer has been an exercise in expecting the unexpected. The Board and staff of Handel Choir have put countless hours into crafting a year that is inspiring, multi-faceted, and flexible enough to meet a shifting landscape. In the coming days, you will receive an announcement laying out the details of our full 2020/2021 season. In the meanwhile, we wanted to share with you some a quick preview of the fall, as well as extend an offer for you to join in one of our virtual performances!
While Handel Choir is making spring plans for both virtual and live concert events, our fall season will be entirely virtual and free to watch online. This year’s Free Fall concert on October 24 will showcase beloved American tunes that tell of the beauty of home, wherever we find it. And, on December 12, our Virtual Messiah will continue as one of Baltimore’s longest-standing musical traditions in a way you’ve never experienced before. Real-time performances of world-class Baroque chamber forces blend with a full virtual choir and orchestra, all live streamed directly to your computer.
Keeping the music alive
COVID-19 has forced us to imagine new ways of connecting with our broader musical family. We all await the days when we can share the beauty of our choral singing in concert. In the meantime, Handel Choir is sharing various offerings to our singers to keep the music alive – and we’d love you to join in, all from the comfort of your own home!
This fall, we’re extending an invitation to all of our patrons for virtual membership in the Handel Choir. Members gain access to all of our online events, presented biweekly on Monday evenings. These events include sight-singing courses, online sing-alongs of choral masterworks, and exclusive real-time discussions with the great conductors of our day. As a special treat, you’ll be able to record a video of the Hallelujah Chorus for inclusion in this year’s virtual Messiah – no audition required!
Our first event on Monday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. is free, and features James Harp, Artistic Director of Maryland Opera, for a closer look at the Verdi Requiem. I could think of no one else with whom I’d rather explore this operatic masterpiece – you won’t want to miss it!
Dues for our fall virtual membership are $50 – space is limited, so contact Cynthia Bell to reserve your spot today!
– Brian Bartoldus, Artistic Director