Viva La Musica! Holiday Concerts December 1, 2007

Viva la Musica, renowned for its diverse and exciting performances, presents the most beloved work of the holiday season: Handel's Messiah, in its upcoming concerts Saturday, Dec 1, 8 pm, and Sunday Dec 2, 3 pm. In true Viva style, the choir will bring something extra to the great Messiah tradition with a multi-media presentation. "The concert," says director Shulamit Hoffmann, "is designed to dazzle both eye and ear, and to move the heart."

Featured soloists, Carla von Merz (soprano), Wendy Morgan Hunter (mezzo), James Jenks (tenor) and Rick Williams (bass-baritone) will team with the choir and a first rate orchestra.

In the second half of the program, the choir and orchestra turn their talents to fresh new works by composer friends of Viva la Musica! Byzantine Christmas Chant, arranged by George Psarras of the Greek band Fotia for the Viva Austrian tour of 2006, will receive its US premiere.

Charles Ferguson of Stanford University has given Viva the honor of premiering his sweet and beguiling new piece, Infant Suite. Viva sings selections from Rene Carlos Ochoa's new work, Misa del Pueblo, written in memory of Oscar Romero, the martyred Archbishop of San Salvador. The traditional Irish Wexford carol, in a new arrangement by Broadway composer Richard B Evans, has also been dedicated to Viva. A rousing, Mormon-Tabernacle-style First Noel, arranged by Dwight Bigler, closes the concert. Dr. Bigler also accompanied Viva to Austria, where he was afforded the rare honor of playing the great organ at St. Stephens Cathedral in Vienna.

Come and receive a holiday infusion: the magnificence of music, the glory of art, and a concert of dazzling beauty... Viva performs at the easily accessible St Marks Catholic Church, 325 Marine View Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002. The acoustics are glorious and parking is plentiful! Tickets range from $17-25. Call 650 281-9663 or visit www.vivalamusica.org for more information and driving directions, and to book tickets online.

Reserved $25, General $20, Student/Senior $17.

Official Website: http://vivalamusica.org