It’s the return of the “Soul of the City” concert series as the Lamar University choir will perform Vivaldi’s “Magnificat” and the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” at St. Anthony Basilica on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and seating is limited, so early arrival is recommended.
A musical rite of the holiday season, George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” was composed in 1741 and is an English language oratorio that traces the story of Jesus Christ. “Messiah” was first performed in Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 1742, then received its London premiere nearly a year later. After an initially modest public reception, the oratorio gained in popularity and eventually became one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral pieces in Western music.
The “Hallelujah” chorus is one of the most famous pieces of Baroque choral music and the most widely known section of the work. Though it was originally written for Easter, Handel’s eminently singable “Messiah” has also become a mainstay of the festive season.
St. Anthony Basilica is located at 700 Jefferson St. in downtown Beaumont.