Handel’s Messiah is Part of Christmas Celebration in Naperville – by Natalia Dagenhart

For those who don’t like winter but love Christmas and can’t wait to start celebrating it, Concerts at Ss. Peter and Paul have prepared a beautiful present. They are happy to announce a great event that is coming to Naperville to warm up its residents during this cold season. If you choose to spend the night of December 14th at the spectacular Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, that gloomy winter evening will light up for you with the Christmas portion of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. This epic masterpiece, written in 1741, will be presented by the Ss. Peter and Paul Choir, Orchestra and Soloists. This will be the only Messiah performance in Naperville during this Christmas season.

Under the baton of Maestro Matthew S. Sprinkle the performance of this genius music will be unforgettable. Mr. Sprinkle is the Director of Music at Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Naperville. He puts all his soul and heart into conducting a program of four vocal ensembles, orchestra, serving as principal organist and overseeing Concerts at Ss. Peter and Paul. His tremendous and thorough education in organ performance, voice and choral conducting and knowledge of sacred music makes him an irreplaceable key figure of the event.

However, this beautiful performance would not be possible without highly skilled singers and musicians. Ss. Peter & Paul Adult Choir is a semi-professional choir, and it is the principle vocal ensemble for Ss. Peter & Paul Church. It is not an average church choir because of its extremely high level of professionalism and versatility. The repertoire of this choir includes selections from 800 years of grand liturgical music. This talented 40-member choir will perform Handel’s Messiah with acclaimed soloists Joellyn Caulfield, soprano; Brynn Bixby, mezzo-soprano; Eric Lewis, tenor and Joseph Arco, bass. A wonderful orchestra will fulfill the event by supporting the choir with a highly professional accompaniment.

“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.” Also, Mr. Sprinkle noted that at the end of the concert the audience will have a chance to participate in a Christmas Carol Sing-a-long.

The most remarkable feature of the upcoming event is that all US military service members and all veterans will be admitted for free, as long as they come to the concert in their uniform. This spectacular Christmas Musical Tradition will take place on December 14th, at 7 p.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Church at 36 N. Ellsworth Street in Naperville. For tickets please call 630.718.2119, get them via Internet at sspeterandpaul.net or at the church. The musicians are ready to make that night unforgettable for you. 

Natalia Dagenhart