The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra continues its Thursday Night (in) with the Symphony series this week with a special Easter treat: Sir Andrew Davis’ Grammy-nominated arrangement of Handel’s Messiah.
Experience a contemporary take on this traditional work, which was recorded with MSO Conductor Laureate Sir Andrew Davis, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the MSO Chorus in 2019 at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne.
Since its triumphant premiere in Dublin in 1742, Messiah has remained Handel’s most frequently-performed work and this online premiere of Sir Andrew Davis’ version is the perfect way to lead in to the Easter long weekend.
Sir Andrew Davis’ take on this time-honoured choral masterpiece stems from a lifetime of hard work and dedication. “When I was a child, I was a boy soprano in our local church choir and so I got to know Handel’s Messiah firsthand,” he said.
“As an adult I toyed with the idea of a reorchestration for many years and I started my version in December 2009. I finished it in October 2010 and premiered it later that year.”
“My sole aim was to clothe the work with all the colours available from a modern orchestra; as a result, I have used such instruments as alto flute, oboe d’amore, harp and some percussion including marimba and even sleigh bells!’’ said Sir Andrew Davis.
Experience Sir Andrew Davis’ Messiah this Thursday Night (in) with the Symphony at 7.30pm on the MSO’s YouTube Channel.
For more information, visit: www.mso.com.au for details, or stay tuned to MSO’s social media platforms for updates on upcoming online concerts and more.
Image: Sir Andrew Davis with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – photo by Daniel Aulsebrook