The National Symphony Orchestra has a December tradition: each year, a new conductor leads the ensemble in Handel’s Messiah, offering a personal interpretation of the beloved masterpiece. 

The 2017 performance featured the NSO debut of Baroque specialist Jeannette Sorrell. Ms. Sorrell is renowned as the founder and music director of Apollo’s Fire, one of the country’s premier early-music ensembles.  

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Jeannette Sorrell

The four soloists, Sophie Daneman, Ann McMahon Quintero, Karim Sulayman and Christian Immler, were also making their NSO debuts, while the University of Maryland Concert Choir (prepared by Edward MacLary), was singing its third consecutive Messiah appearance with the NSO.  

WETA Classical kicks off the holiday season with Handel’s Messiah. Be sure to join us Wednesday evening December 7th at 9PM ET for what The Washington Post called a “cheerful and colorful” performance of this treasured musical tradition.  

Learn more about Handel's Messiah on Classical Breakdown!

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