“Hallelujah!” In 1741, Handel composed his great oratorio Messiah in just three weeks, and its message continues to reign forever and ever, enthralling audiences annually. Victoria’s magnificent Christ Church Cathedral will be the candlelit setting as the VS, local choirs, and four leading soloists share a story rich in complex emotions and human drama. Lift your spirits once again!
Giuseppe Pietraroia, conductor
Canadian conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia has earned a national reputation for his versatility, musicality, and leadership across both orchestral and operatic stages. Based in British Columbia, he is the Principal Conductor of Pacific Opera Victoria, where he has held leadership roles since 2003. He previously served as Associate Conductor with both Pacific Opera and the Victoria Symphony, and was Music Director of the Victoria Choral Society from 2005 to 2012.
With a career spanning over two decades, Pietraroia has conducted a wide range of repertoire, from main series, pops, and contemporary programs to full opera productions and education concerts. He has appeared as a guest conductor with leading Canadian ensembles including the Toronto Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Orchestre Métropolitain, and most recently, the Regina Symphony Orchestra.
A champion of collaboration and artistic growth, Pietraroia has been deeply involved in programming, auditions, and community outreach initiatives. He has also contributed to music education through teaching roles at the University of Victoria, McGill University, and Plattsburgh State University of New York.
He holds a Master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting from McGill University and is the recipient of the Jean-Marie Beaudet Award in Conducting from the Canada Council for the Arts and a Félix Award for Classical Album of the Year with Marie-Josée Lord and l’Orchestre Métropolitain.
Yulia Van Doren, soprano
Biography to come.
Nicholas Burns, countertenor
Biography to come.
Thomas Hobbs, tenor
Biography to come.
Jonathan Woody, bass-baritone
Biography to come.
Victoria Children’s Choir
Biography to come.
Christ Church Cathedral Young Choristers
Biography to come.
Vox Humana Chamber Choir and Friends
Biography to come.
George Frideric Handel (1685—1759)
Messiah, HWV 56
Part I
Symphony
Comfort ye (Tenor)
Ev’ry valley (Tenor)
And the glory of the Lord (Chorus)
Thus saith the Lord (Bass)
But who may abide (Alto)
And He shall purify (Chorus)
Behold, a virgin shall conceive (Alto)
O thou that tellest (Alto/Chorus)
For behold, darkness (Bass)
The people that walked in darkness (Bass)
For unto us a child is born (Chorus)
Pifa (orchestra)
There were shepherds (Soprano)
And lo, the angel of the Lord (Soprano)
And the angel said unto them (Soprano)
And suddenly there was with the angel (Soprano)
Glory to God (Chorus)
Rejoice greatly (Soprano)
Then shall the eyes of the blind (Alto)
He shall feed his flock (Alto/Soprano)
His yoke is easy (Chorus)
INTERMISSION
Part II
Behold the Lamb of God (Chorus)
He was despised (Alto)
Surely He hath borne our griefs (Chorus)
And with His stripes (Chorus)
All we like sheep (Chorus)
All they that see him (Tenor)
He trusted in God (Chorus)
Thy rebuke hath broken His heart (Tenor)
Behold and see (Tenor)
Lift up your heads (Chorus)
How beautiful are the feet (Soprano)
Why do the nations (Bass)
Let us break their bonds (Chorus)
He that dwelleth in heaven (Tenor)
Thou shalt break them (Tenor)
Hallelujah (Chorus)
Part III
I know that my Redeemer liveth (Soprano)
Since by man came death (Chorus)
Behold, I tell you a mystery (Bass)
The trumpet shall sound (Bass) (with DC)
Worthy is the Lamb (Chorus)
Amen (Chorus)
