Handel's Messiah comes to Naperville

The Nutcracker is for ballet troupes, the Messiah is for choirs. The famous oratorio, which features the epic Hallelujah chorus, is a must-perform/must see at Christmastime.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:00 pm Concert at Ss. Peter and Paul will present the Choir and Orchestra of Ss. Peter and Paul Church in a performance of Handel’s crowning musical achievement Messiah.   The 40-voice semiprofessional choir will perform the Christmas portion of the Messiah as well as other Christmas favorites with orchestral accompaniment in a special evening concert.

The choir and orchestra are under the baton of Maestro Matthew S Sprinkle, the Director of Sacred Music at Ss. Peter and Paul. Maestro Sprinkle has just completed his first year as music director and is very excited to bring Messiah to Naperville. 

This performance would not be possible without the highly skilled singers and musicians of Ss. Peter and Paul Church. The Choir is a semi-professional choir, and it is the principle vocal ensemble for Ss. Peter & Paul Church.

The repertoire of this choir spans over 900 years of sacred music from Gregorian Chant to composers of the modern day. The choir will be joined by celebrated soloists Joellyn Caulfield, soprano; Brynn Bixby, mezzo-soprano; Eric Lewis, tenor; Joseph Arco, bass; and Anthony Quaranta, bass.

“Handel’s Messiah is one of the most important compositions in all of music history”, Matthew Sprinkle said. “I have conducted this oratorio every year, so everyone has the chance to sing it or experience it as an audience member at least once. Whether it’s your first time or thirtieth, Messiah is always exciting! It is perhaps the most popular classical choral work ever composed.” 

In addition to the Christmas portion of  Messiah the choir and orchestra will present other Christmas favorites such as: O Magnum Mysterium, Lauridsen; Silent Night, Leo Nestor;  Gesu Bambino, Pietro Yon; and What Sweeter Music, by John Rutter.  There will also Be an audience sing-a-long of your favorite Carols.

Tickets for the concert can be purchased online at www.sspeterandpaul.net, at the Church Office located at 36 N. Ellsworth Street, Naperville, Illinois, or by calling 630.718.2119. Tickets range from $12 – Student/Obstructed View; $25 – General Admission;  $75 – Prime Preferred, which include seating in the front rows of the church, and a post-concert wine/dessert reception  with the choir, soloists and the Maestro.

OF SPECIAL NOTE: In a show of gratitude for their service to our nation, all members of the US military and veterans who attend the concert in their service uniform will be admitted free of charge!