Karim Al-Zand: Music: G. F. Handel’s Messiah: The Pre-Game Show

G. F. Handel’s Messiah: The Pre-Game Show

a presentation for young audiences

G. F. Handel’s Messiah: The Pre-Game Show was written for the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra and Houston Chamber Choir for a children’s concert presented in conjunction with their regular performances of Handel’s popular oratorio. The piece has the composer Handel as the narrator, playing the part of a coach at a pre-game press conference. Handel uses props, diagrams, and musical examples played by the choir and orchestra to demonstrate the concept of “text painting” in the Messiah.

The 45-minute show features audience interaction and participation, and includes a “brand new” work written by Handel, giving the audience a play-by-play of the musical technique within this beloved work.