John Alexander Conducts Pacific Symphony in A Moving Prelude to Christmas

Awe-inspiring sounds of praise ring out as Pacific Symphony is joined by Pacific Chorale for the triumphant annual holiday celebration, "Handel's Glorious Messiah," celebrating the birth of Christ. A holiday tradition across the world, "Messiah" has been performed for more than 275 years, but with each new conductor, orchestra and soloists, it becomes a fresh and newly invigorating experience.

This year is especially meaningful as Orange County's own John Alexander (Pacific Chorale's Artistic Director Emeritus) returns to the podium to lead the Symphony along with the Chorale and a host of globally distinguished soloists, including the outstanding tenor, Jason Francisco. Full of brilliant choral writing, thundering timpani and blazing trumpets, "Messiah" energizes its audience and leaves them singing, "Hallelujah!"

"I very much look forward to taking the podium again for Pacific Symphony's performance of Handel's 'Messiah' with Pacific Chorale," says Maestro Alexander. "I place this work right at the top of my list of the greatest works ever written. Although I have conducted this work scores of times during my career, I never tire of it, and always find new and wonderful things every time I return to it." Handel's masterpiece takes place on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m., at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Tickets are $25-$196. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.