Messiah has become a part of our musical culture to an extent that Handel, sharp entrepreneur though he was, could never have dreamed of when he completed the oratorio 280 years ago. Messiah has never gone out of style since its first performance in 1742, but here also is a tradition extending back to the 18thcentury of revising this work to fit current tastes. Here we present a 1992 arrangement recasting this familiar work in Gospel and jazz styles. Joining the Peoria Symphony Orchestra for this concert are Alfreda Burke, soprano; Brianna Thomas, mezzo-soprano; Rodrick Dixon, tenor; and The Heritage Ensemble.

The production of “Too Hot to Handel” was co-arranged by Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson. The original concert was developed by Marin Alsop.

Too Hot To Handel® – The Gospel Messiah will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 3 pm OR 7:30 pm at The Scottish Rite Theatre.

Join musicians and fellow concert-goers after the concert for a P.S. Party at The Missing Zither. Drinks will be available to purchase.

This concert is sponsored by the Gilmore Foundation, Conductor's Circle, Trouble-Free Heating & Cooling, and The Meredith Foundation, and is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

For tickets: peoriasymphony.secure.force.com/ticket