Several great works of performing art have become such a part of the Christmas season that their absence at this time of year would leave gaping holes in the fabric of our warmest holiday memories. “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens comes to mind; so too Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite.”
And then, there is Friday’s performance of Handel’s “Messiah” which is staged (as it has been for the last 26 years) as a collaboration of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, conductor Edward Polochick and the Concert Artists of Baltimore Symphonic Chorale. The annual presentation of this most sacred oratorio attracts audiences who not only revel in the Baroque masterpiece but also lovers of the Christmas tradition that “Messiah” embodies.
Polochick notes that he looks forward to each successive performance more than the last. His basic conception of the work has not changed over 26 years, but rather it has evolved over time. This is because of, in large part, myriad decisions that must be made about every detail concerning what he calls dynamics, articulation, ornamentation and phrasing.
“Every year we find new insights and tweak a few of our old ideas,” he said. “We have many of the same performers who have been with us every year since the beginning. This combination of continuity along with a little ‘new blood’ each year is the ideal recipe.”
Continuity is represented in the person of Felicia Hofmann, managing director of Concert Artists and one of 30 professional singers in the “Messiah” chorus.
“I wouldn’t do it each year if I didn’t enjoy it,” she said. “To work with a conductor like Polochick is a privilege. When you combine that with this majestic composition and the chance to perform with the BSO, it is an unforgettable experience.”
Soprano Amanda Forsythe, mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, tenor Bryan Hymal and baritone Stephen Powell represent the “new blood” in the ensemble, enhancing the work with their stellar solo performances.
Polochick will conduct the entire work from the harpsichord — a bit strange to today’s audiences but done frequently in Handel’s day.
And so, once again, the story in song and music of the birth, life and death of Christ the Messiah serves as the unbroken link of Christmas memory.
