At the UGA Performing Arts Center, tiny lights blanket the lobby and Christmas trees adorn the stage. That means it’s time for the Holiday Music Series, in which prominent artists sing and play seasonal music at Hodgson Concert Hall.
An annual tradition returns Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Chorus present the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah and the “Hallelujah” Chorus, led by conductor Norman Mackenzie. Before intermission, the orchestra, chorus and soloists perform J.S. Bach’s Magnificat.
SOLOISTS
Messiah alternates between vivid choruses and virtuosic vocal solos. The cast for this year’s Messiah includes returning baritone Lawson Anderson, noted for his “powerful, darkly hued voice and nobility of carriage” (Cleveland Classical); he has a robust operatic career in Europe. Soprano Adelaide Boedecker has been described as “emotionally transparent and beguiling of tone” (San Francisco Chronicle).
Mezzo-soprano Rhianna Cockrell is a specialist in Baroque, Renaissance, and contemporary music; her performances have been called “unforced” and “resolute” (Oregon Arts Watch). Tenor Thomas Cooley has sung extensively in Europe, Asia and 30 American states; he favors music by Handel and J.S. Bach.
NORMAN MACKENZIE
Norman Mackenzie’s abilities as musical collaborator, conductor and concert organist have brought him international recognition. As Director of Choruses for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) since 2000, he was chosen to help carry forward the creative vision of legendary founding conductor Robert Shaw. During his tenure, the Chorus has made numerous tours and garnered several Grammy awards, including Best Classical Album and Best Choral Performance. At the ASO, he prepares the choruses for all concerts and recordings, works closely with Nathalie Stutzmann on the commissioning and realization of new choral-orchestral works and conducts holiday concerts.
In his 14-year association with Mr. Shaw, Mackenzie was keyboardist for the ASO, principal accompanist for the ASO Choruses and ultimately assistant choral conductor. In addition, he was musical assistant and accompanist for the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers, the Robert Shaw Institute Summer Choral Festivals in France and the United States and the famed Shaw/Carnegie Hall Choral Workshops.
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Under the leadership of Music Director Nathalie Stutzmann, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) offers live performances, media initiatives, and learning programs that unite, educate, and enrich our community through the engaging and transformative power of orchestral music experiences. The ASO engages the diverse international community of our city, bringing people together in harmony — including our youngest citizens, with extensive opportunities for youth and families to fall in love with music. Two hallmark education programs celebrated anniversaries this year: the Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra turned 50, and the Talent Development Program reached 30 years.
The orchestra’s range and depth are featured in more than 150 concerts each year, including the flagship Delta Classical Series, Movies in Concert, Family Concerts, Coca-Cola Holiday series, and many community and education concerts. In addition, the ASO presents many vibrant, wide-ranging events and artists through its Delta Atlanta Symphony Hall Live presentations.
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CHAMBER CHORUS
Acclaimed for the beauty, precision and expressive qualities of its singing, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus has been an important part of the orchestra’s programming since its founding by the late Robert Shaw. The Chamber Chorus, which debuted on December 14, 1967, is composed of 40-60 volunteers selected by audition from the ranks of the ASO Chorus, who meet for extra rehearsals and perform with the ASO each season. The Chamber Chorus performs music of the Baroque and Classical eras, as well as works by modern masters such as Golijov, Tavener, Pärt, Paulus, Theofanidis, and Britten. Highlights of the ASO Chamber Chorus’s history include a residency with the ASO and Robert Spano for California’s Ojai Festival, participation with the ASO in recordings of masterworks by Bach, Golijov, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Vivaldi, and a 2005 a cappella recording that features the Vaughan Williams Mass under Norman Mackenzie. Their Carnegie Hall appearances include performances of the B Minor Mass, the Matthew and John Passions of J.S. Bach, the Rachmaninoff Vespers, Stravinsky’s Nightingale and the Mozart/Levin Requiem.
PROGRAM
J.S. BACH: Magnificat in D major, BWV 243
HANDEL: Part the First (Christmas Portion) and “Hallelujah” from Messiah, HWV 56
SOLOISTS
Adelaide Boedecker, soprano
Rhianna Cockrell, mezzo-soprano
Thomas Cooley, tenor
Lawson Anderson, baritone
SUPPORTED BY
David Coker and Sharon Price
BUYING TICKETS IS EASY
Securing tickets for UGA Presents performances couldn’t be easier. There are three ways to choose from:
- Purchase tickets online 24/7 here.
- Call the Performing Arts Center Box Office at (706) 542-4400, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center Box Office, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (5 minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
You may also create your own series of three or more performances (10% off). UGA Presents single tickets start at just $25 with promo code PAC25 and UGA student tickets are $10. Parking is free.