Handel’s Messiah
About This Event
Music of the Baroque Chorus, directed by Andrew Megill, appears with conductor Jane Glover and soloists Amanda Forsythe (soprano), Nicholas Phan (tenor), John Holiday (countertenor) and Kevin Deas (bass‑baritone) for Handel’s Messiah at David Geffen Hall. The chorus’s Baroque focus and Glover’s operatic and orchestral background point to a performance informed by historically informed practice, with Holiday noted for clean line and textual clarity.
About Messiah(oratorio)
George Frideric Handel
George Frideric Handel’s *Messiah* (1741) is an English-language oratorio that traces a Christian narrative of prophecy, birth, passion, and redemption through choruses, arias, and recitatives drawn from scripture. In New York, it became a civic ritual early on; the Handel and Haydn Society introduced it to the city in 1770, and annual performances helped anchor Manhattan’s choral culture. At David Geffen Hall, Jane Glover leads soloists Amanda Forsythe, Nicholas Phan, John Holiday, and Kevin Deas with the Music of the Baroque Chorus directed by Andrew Megill. Its most telling feature is how communal the drama feels, even when the text stays at a reflective distance.
About the Artists
Music of the Baroque Chorus Andrew Megill, director
Music of the Baroque Chorus, led by director Andrew Megill, is a classical ensemble known for its work in the Baroque choral tradition. In New York City, the chorus appears at David Geffen Hall in programs such as Handel’s *Messiah*.
Jane Glover
Jane Glover is a British conductor known for her work in opera and orchestral music, with a focus on both classical and contemporary repertoire.
Amanda Forsythe
Amanda Forsythe is an American soprano celebrated for her work in opera, particularly in Baroque and classical repertoire.
John Holiday
John Holiday is an American countertenor whose work moves between Baroque repertory and new music, in staged opera, concert settings, and mixed-media projects. He has appeared with ensembles and conductors including Music of the Baroque, Handel, and Jane Glover, and has shared the stage with artists such as Amanda Forsythe, Nicholas Phan, and Kevin Deas.
Nicholas Phan
Nicholas Phan is an American tenor known for his performances in opera and concert settings, specializing in a wide range of repertoire from classical to contemporary works.
Kevin Deas
Kevin Deas is an American bass-baritone known for his performances in opera, concert, and recital settings, recognized for his rich voice and versatility in various musical genres.