TOCCATA NEWS RELEASE – Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (TOCCATA) has announced its 8th annual production of Handel’s Messiah with performances in five locations including a special opening concert in St. Gall Catholic Church in Gardnerville, sponsored by the Carson Valley Arts Council. The Reno-Tahoe-Truckee community is invited to enjoy the wonderful holiday tradition of TOCCATA’s Messiah production.
The first performance is Friday, December 6, at 7:00 p.m., at St. Gall Church in Gardnerville, 1343 Centerville Lane, where TOCCATA will be joined by local community singers who join the choir on this festive occasion. This concert is not a part of TOCCATA’s regular season, and all tickets must be purchased at the Carson Valley Arts Council website. The next two performances are Wednesday, December 11, at 7:00 p.m., at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Incline Village, and the first classical concert to be performed in the new Grace Church Sanctuary, 1220 Robb Drive, in Reno.
The final two presentations will be Sunday, December 15, at 3:00 p.m., at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1041 Lyons Avenue, in South Lake Tahoe. The last performance is Wednesday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m., in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 501 California Avenue, in Reno. For information or preferred seating call 775-313-9697.
Visit TOCCATA at www.ToccataTahoe.com. Tickets are available at the door, or online at www.ToccataTahoe.com. General admission to all concerts is $25 adults, $20 seniors, $5 students aged 19 to 23 with valid ID. Preferred seating is $35 and $15 for youth/students. A grant from the two local Foundations, allows all youth under 19 years of age to be admitted free, to all regular season concerts in 2013. All performances are supported by the Kling Family Foundation.
Messiah was first performed in Dublin, Ireland on March 23, 1742, and was conducted by its composer. It continues to be a masterpiece that has left audiences in awe for 273 years. The TOCCATA production is a celebration of the holidays and includes not only favorite selections from Messiah Parts One and Three, but also seasonal carols that the audience will be most welcome to join in singing.
The Messiah series marks the completion of TOCCATA’s 8th Season. Joining the TOCCATA Orchestra and Chorus for this production are soloists Joy Strotz, Anna Helwing and Jennifir Tibben, sopranos; Stephanie Dixon and Maryanne Ashley, mezzo soprano, Chris Nelson and Albert Lee, tenors, and Stuart Duke and Ryan Ashley, baritones. The TOCCATA Children’s Chorus from South Lake Tahoe, directed by Bonnie Turnball, will perform on three of the concerts. The TOCCATA Chamber Orchestra features Louis Steptoe as concertmaster; David Brock, Tracy Beaver and Nick Haines as continuo; and Mark Lord, William van Meter and Dawyne Hollenbach on Baroque trumpets. All performances will be conducted by Maestro James Rawie.
