Handel’s Messiah for Our Time

Stream Here Starting Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.
Watch Thursday, Dec. 24 at 11:30 p.m. & Sunday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. on NEPM TV

Every year since 1854, Boston's Handel and Haydn Society has performed Handel's Messiah. Yes, every year — through a Civil War, two World Wars, and the 1918 flu pandemic. 2020's global health crisis threatened to put an end to this legendary streak. But in the face of challenges that laid waste to most group performances, a talented team, fueled by passion, experience and an innovative spirit, brought Handel's Messiah to life once again. GBH, the Handel and Haydn Society, and tireless collaborators did more than preserve this tradition — they completely reimagined it.

The production employed robotic cameras and special singing masks worn by the chorus and soloists during the performance.  Safety protocols, which included individual COVID testing twice prior to the taping, were developed in collaboration with doctors of infectious disease from Boston University and Harvard. A variety of studio spaces were used, ensuring the chorus and instrumentalists were kept separate and safe during the taping.  The orchestral portion was recorded in sections by a 10-piece ensemble, creating an audio bed to which the chorus recorded separately in two groups of eight singers each, socially distanced. The audio was then layered together, creating the sound of a complete chorus. 

Performed by:
Ian Watson, conductor
Joélle Harvey, soprano
Reginald Mobley, countertenor
Aaron Sheehan, tenor
Sumner Thompson, baritone
Members of the H+H Orchestra and Chorus

About the Production: