For many in the Washington area, the holidays don’t begin until they sing along to the resounding and inspiring “Hallelujah Chorus” that ends the majestic “Messiah” by Handel. But at two-and-a-half hours long, families with younger children simply can’t see it through to the climactic ending without the fidgeting becoming distracting.
The thoughtful music-lovers at the Washington National Cathedral have solved the problem. On Saturday, December 7, at the family-friendly hour of noon, the Washington National Cathedral Choir and the Washington National Cathedral Orchestra, with four guest vocalists and conducted by Michael McCarthy, will offer an “abbreviated” performance of “Messiah,” consisting of just the familiar rousing highlights. Hallelujah, indeed!
Admission to “Handel’s Messiah Family Concert” range from $25 to $95, with $15 student tickets available. Be advised that this performance will likely sell out.
For those who want to enjoy the “Messiah” in its entirely, the same ensembles will perform the work on December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and December 7-8 at 4 p.m.
