To The Haldimand Press
PORT DOVER—Port Dover’s very own Lighthouse Theatre will once again resound with the triumphant chords of Handel’s Messiah as Arcady returns on December 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Arcady’s critically acclaimed chorus, soloists, and orchestra will bring this magnificent work to life with their outstanding professional artistry.
Often regarded as the greatest musical work ever written, Messiah has long been a specialty of Arcady.
This great oratorio by George Frideric Handel is a work that stands above and beyond any other in the history of music.
Composed in 1741, no other work has captured the hearts and imaginations of so many people, from so many backgrounds, and for so many generations. Attending an annual performance of Messiah every Christmas season is a tradition for so many music lovers.
Hugh Fraser from the Hamilton Spectator exclaimed Arcady’s presentation to be “the best performance of Handel’s Messiah ever to whisk past my ears.”
Arcady’s critically acclaimed CD entitled A Baroque Messiah has been reissued three times.
Arcady was established in order to encourage outstanding young musicians by providing them a bridge between their student and professional performing careers.
This touring ensemble, mandated and directed by esteemed conductor and composer Ronald Beckett, includes exceptionally talented and motivated singers – professionals and present and former Emerging Artists.
Many graduates from the Arcady RBC Emerging Artist program remain with the organization and become part of its professional core.
Since all of Arcady’s singers are trained soloists, the solos in Messiah are shared among the chorus members.
This concert will feature Emerging Artist Marcel van Helden, a tenor from Acton, Ontario who has sung as a soloist in Messiah, Bach’s St. Matthew and St. John Passions, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Choral Fantasy.
In this performance, the audience will enjoy the spirited leadership of Arcady’s very own Ronald Beckett.
He has guided Arcady’s musicians since the dawn of this ensemble and has also had numerous works performed by ensembles throughout Ontario.
His catalogue of compositions includes three operas, various large-scale works for orchestra and chorus, an abundance of chamber music and pieces for organ, youthful choral music dedicated to the Arcady Youth Singers, and a large collection of songs for solo voice.
Tickets at $40 and are available online at lighthousetheatre.com/event/handels-messiah/ or by calling the box office at 1-888-779-7703. For more information on Arcady visit: Arcady.ca.
