Philip J. Bauman, music director of the Michigan City Messiah, describes G.F. Handel’s musical masterpiece “The Messiah” as “a Hallelujah to the holidays” for audiences.
“This time of year there are many performances of ‘Messiah,'” said Bauman, now in his ninth year as music director for the Michigan City Messiah.
“The beauty and genius of this work deserves frequent hearings. Our annual presentation brings a level of passion, detail and personal conviction by the artists, unlike any other.
“Our performance is rooted in baroque traditions with carefully crafted ornamentation by the soloists, chorus and orchestra, which brings a newness to the oratorio. This freshness is palpable as you listen to our presentation.”
The Michigan City Messiah annual free performances are at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Holdcraft Performing Arts Center in Michigan City.
This year marks the 59th presentation of “The Messiah,” first organized and conducted by Daniel J. McNabb, the latter who still sings in the chorus.
“Dan has announced that this will be his final year singing the Messiah, so we want to make this a very special set of concerts as a very special way to thank Dan McNabb for his selfless gift to our community,” Bauman said.
“There is such a rich history of Dan with this organization and this musical piece. This concert tradition was started by founder Dan 59 years ago. He is now a proud member of our chorus. This year we celebrate his legacy before he moves out of the area.
“For all who have sung with us in the past, played in the orchestra or simply enjoyed our performances, we encourage everyone to come and say ‘Thank You’ to Dan with applause.”
The musical work “Messiah” premiered in Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 1742, and was immediately accepted as the most popular piece of music ever written of its time according to Nic Orbovich, one of the concert organizers.
He describes it as “a large-scale semi-dramatic work for chorus, soloists, and orchestra.” Musical ears will recognize the work as the source of the beloved “Hallelujah Chorus.”
“We are featuring a full Baroque orchestra conducted by Philip Bauman and four world-class returning beloved soloists, soprano Kimberly Jones, mezzo-soprano Kristen Gornstein, tenor Matthew Daniel and bass-baritone Bill McMurray.
Bauman said during his time in his Michigan City Messiah organization role, he has continued to draw on his related experience as music director of the South Holland Master Chorale and his 20 years as conductor of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Youth Orchestra, which he concluded in 2022.
“The outstanding singing of our superb soloists ranges from intimate to rousing, offering a very personal interpretation and refined example of their artistry,” Bauman said.
“As our audiences listen to the piece they will find each phrase has a purpose, and each aria has a story to tell. We are blessed to have such great people and artists. There are several choruses where our soloists join the choir for a unique coloring and interplay. It is a tradition for us and something you don’t hear elsewhere.”
Bauman made his European conducting debut with youth orchestra performances in Austria and Germany in 2014 and in 2018 he performed in Italy.
Orbovich said Bauman brings his international and regional expertise to the talented artists he collaborates with on and off stage.
“‘Handel’s ‘Messiah’ is performed across the world this time of year because it truly is a unique blend of high professionalism and community involvement that creates an energy that lives in a spiritual, metaphysical realm,” Orbovich said.
“Philip Bauman guides audiences through the journey. During his successful 24-year tenure at the La Porte County Symphony, he was credited with significantly raising the orchestra’s artistic level and spearheading a resurgence in educational programming. During the holidays, we are so fortunate to share the talents of so many with audiences of all ages.”
Handel’s Messiah Concert
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Holdcraft Performing Arts Center, 1200 Spring St., Michigan City
Cost: Free
Information: 219-237-4662; mcmessiah.com
Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
