DOWNEY - The International L.A. Oratorio Chorus will perform Handel's choral masterpiece, "Messiah," on Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in Downey.The program is the first concert by the chorus in Downey. Maestro Ken Taguchi will lead the chorus in all three parts of this production of "Messiah," one of the most popular works in Western choral literature. Featured soloists are Dr. Susan Ali, soprano; Eun Ok Kim, alto; Bobby Casillas, tenor; Jong Jin Lee, bass; and Daniel Pok, pianist. When it was first performed, 'Messiah" was billed as "musical entertainment" and thought of as "opera for the mind." It was presented during Lent rather than at Christmas time. Today, it inspires people of all faiths with its stirring choruses and sublime arias. "Messiah" is a musical setting of biblical texts, suggesting scenes from the gospels without actually representing them theatrically. Admission to the concert is free. Doors open at 5 p.m. and a dessert reception follows the performance.

********** Published: November 22, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 32