Apollo Chorus of Chicago to Perform Handel's MESSIAH in December

The Apollo Chorus will perform Handel's "Messiah," its signature piece and annual holiday tradition, in two of Chicago's most elegant spaces: on Saturday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m. at Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., and on Saturday, December 21 at 3:00 p.m. at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Street. The annual performance of Handel's masterpiece includes some of the most joyful and memorable music from the Baroque period. The Apollo Chorus has presented Handel's "Messiah" since 1879, a record unmatched in the city of Chicago.

The performances are led by Stephen Alltop, Music Director and Conductor of The Apollo Chorus, and feature Kiri Deonarine as soprano, Tracy Watson as mezzo-soprano, Samuel Levin as tenor, and Jonathan Beyer as baritone.

Following the holiday concerts, the music of the Apollo Chorus will continue in February with Choral Classics-Mozart's Great Mass in C & Dvorák's Te Deum on Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m. at University of Chicago's Rockefeller Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave. The season finale Spring Concert, The Beatles & Friends, will be performed Friday, May 2 at 8:00 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut Street; and again Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 p.m. at First United Church, 848 Lake Street in Oak Park.

The Apollo Chorus is Chicago's oldest musical organization, performing preeminent choral works at premier venues. Founded in 1872 in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire, the chorus is one of the oldest volunteer choral organizations in the United States and the oldest musical organization in Chicago. Its approximately 120 auditioned members include men and women of all ages, races, and backgrounds brought together by their love of music. The chorus has performed the master works of the choral repertoire, as well as new masterpieces from contemporary composers. The Apollo Chorus has performed at notable historic events, such as the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, the Century of Progress International Exposition, the opening of Medinah Temple, the opening of Orchestra Hall (Apollo was considered the official chorus of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra prior to the formation of the Symphony Chorus), the opening of Navy Pier, and the "Oprah Surprise Spectacular." In 2013, the group has performed twice at sold out Josh Groban concerts at Ravinia and The United Center. The Apollo Chorus continually strives to advance musically and to share the power, beauty and majesty of choral music by presenting concerts and educational programs for diverse communities throughout Chicago and beyond.

Tickets to Handel's "Messiah" at Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center and at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance range from $18-75. To purchase individual tickets or to book a group, call The Apollo Chorus at 312.427.5620 or visit www.apollochorus.org. Tickets are also available by visiting or calling Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center at 312.294.3000 and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance at 312.334.7777.