A holiday tradition in the Hudson Valley continues as the Hudson Valley Symphony Orchestra and Cappella Festiva Chamber Choir usher in the holiday season with their annual performance of Handel’s Messiah.
The concert will take place on December 20th at 3:00 pm at Vassar College’s historic Chapel. Conductor Christine Howlett will lead the orchestra and chorus in this beloved work, joined by soloists Sara LeMesh, soprano; Holly Sorensen, mezzo soprano; Lawrence Jones, tenor; and Michael Hofmann, baritone.
Founded in 1932 as the Dutchess County Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hudson Valley Symphony Orchestra has a long history of bringing musical inspiration to people of all ages throughout the Hudson Valley. Under various forms, the orchestra has served the communities in Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, and surrounding counties. In 1959, Claude Monteux brought the musicians to prominence, organized as the Hudson Valley Philharmonic Society, Inc., a fully professional regional orchestra performing Classics and Pops concerts and bringing educational programs to area school children. In 2024, the orchestra reorganized once again and became self-managed as the Hudson Valley Symphony Orchestra, Inc. Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor André Raphel leads the HVSO as it begins this new chapter.
From the tranquil arias “Comfort Ye, My People” and “He Shall Feed His Flock” to the exuberant “Hallelujah” chorus, this work brings drama and joy to the season. Audiences are invited to bring the whole family for this 90-minute concert, performed without intermission. Special ticket prices are available for seniors and students, and children 5 and under are invited free of charge.
For tickets, visit the HVSO website.
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