Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and Chorus: Handel's 'Messiah'
$25 & $45
Sarah Ioannides, conductor
Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
Handel – Messiah
Handel's oratorio Messiah, celebrating the coming of "the Anointed One," has inspired audiences for hundreds of years. Among the most famous selections is the poignant soprano aria, "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth," and, of course, the beloved "Hallelujah Chorus."
Why does everyone stand up for the "Hallelujah Chorus"? The reason harkens back to the London Premiere in 1742. It is told that when the opening sounds of the "Hallelujah Chorus" rang out, King George II rose to his feet, and remained standing until the end. In those days, when the King stood, everyone (who wished to keep his head on his shoulders) stood with him. To this day, audiences maintain the tradition.