Next Friday, River City Voices will be partnering with WestWords to present Handel’s ‘Messiah’, as you’ve never seen or heard it before.
The story of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ is one that has spanned many centuries – making it a familiar experience for many. But, when a choral Christmas tradition meets a beloved western Sydney art form, it creates something entirely new.
In this special concert, the universal message of ‘Messiah’ will be portrayed through the interpretive lens of dynamic young slam poets.
Having conducted ‘Messiah’ many times in the past, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sarah Penicka-Smith hopes that the performance will not only be a new experience for veteran audiences, but also allow those who’ve never heard it to experience the drama of the work.
“Handel was a very theatrical composer who loved a good story,” she said.
“We’re offering this new version not because we think the music is missing something, but because we want to offer new audiences a way in to one of the greatest choral works ever written.”
The 75-minute performance features local talents, including internationally renowned baritone Warwick Fyfe, soprano Sarah Cherlin, tenor Joshua Oxley, poets J. Marahuyo, Paris Rosemont and Alasdair David Carter, alongside the Slam Messiah Chamber Ensemble and powerful River City Voices singers.
‘Slam Messiah’ will be on at Riverside Theatres on Friday, December 16. Book at riversideparramatta.com.au.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.