The Ocala Symphony Orchestra Presents Handel's MESSIAH, 11/24

Ocala, FL, October 17, 2013 - The Ocala Symphony Orchestra (OSO) will tell the story of Handel's Messiah through the collaboration of several generations of classical music this holiday season.

In its fourth year in Ocala, this special presentation will include the OSO's full orchestra, as well as its own community choir, boasting close to 150 musicians working together to make joyous music in celebration of the holiday spirit.

The premiere of Messiah, on April 13, 1742, was preceded by the London performance of Handel's 43 operas. The disastrous opening of his last opera, Deidamia, combined with an English public growing tired of Italian opera, financial headaches, and temperamental divas, and his increasingly humanitarian views led Handel to the oratorio as an outlet for his compositional genius. Messiah is not an opera; it is a sacred oratorio, a large-scale vocal work with soloists, choir and orchestra, but without costumes or character interaction. However, it is OSO's music director, Maestro Matthew Wardell's, viewpoint that Handel's roots in opera and the stage should not be overlooked.

Messiah tells the story of the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which ends with the redemption of mankind. "No matter your personal beliefs or religious alignment, the story of Messiah set to music is exciting, moving and dramatic. Mozart, who himself re-scored Messiah for a larger orchestra, wrote that 'Handel knows better than any of us what will make an effect; when he chooses, he strikes like a thunderbolt.' "I encourage our audience to follow along closely with the text, to immerse themselves in Handel's great work, and to allow themselves to be struck with the thunderbolt!" exclaimed Maestro Wardell.

The performance will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 3 p.m. at the Queen of Peace Catholic Church located at 6455 SW SR 200 in Ocala. The tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at all CenterState Bank locations in Ocala, Lady Lake, and Belleview; at Village Ford in Belleview, and at Yours Truly Gift Shop (located at 8449 SW Hwy 200 in Ocala). Tickets can also be purchased by visiting www.ocalasymphony.com or by calling the OSO office at 352-351-1606.

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra is Marion County's premier cultural arts organization. Founded in 1975, the orchestra averages a dozen concerts throughout the year in front of nearly 10,000 area citizens. Its mission is to play the highest caliber music that is performed by skilled musicians under the dynamic leadership of a brilliant and energetic music director, Maestro Matthew Wardell. It is driven to reach, entertain, and inspire audiences of all ages while serving the broadest group of constituents. The OSO aims to foster excellence in music education through collaborative partnerships with local resources.