Chilliwack Symphony announce “Advent Messiah” 

CHILLIWACK – This December, the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra and its specialized Early Music Ensemble, Cantare Super Orchestram, are revitalizing “Advent Messiah” alongside vocal ensemble Belle Voci. 

In a news release, the CSO says long before it became a global monument, Messiah was an edgy, high-stakes gamble.  In 1741, Handel was a bankrupt opera impresario who poured his dramatic genius into a fast-paced, rhythmically driving theatrical tour de force. 

The Orchestra says it will return to his original Baroque vision with the upcoming performances. 

Focusing primarily on the brilliant Advent portion of the oratorio – and culminating in the soaring, thunderous joy of the iconic Hallelujah Chorus – the CSO says this production captures the raw anticipation, drama, and sacred reverence at the heart of the festive season. 

“This is Messiah in its purest, most exhilarating form,” said the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra leadership.  “When you hear a lean, razor-sharp period ensemble firing on all cylinders, the vocal lines ricochet across the hall like a musical duel.  It’s dramatic, it’s visceral, and it restores the theatrical heartbeat Handel intended.” 

Leading the production is an acclaimed quartet of Western Canada’s top early music and oratorio specialists:  Sonja Strimbei, Erik Kallo, Jonny Michel and Richard Williams. 

There will be limited seating for five intimate performances, beginning December 1, 2026, in Chilliwack.