Grammy Winner to Lead Houston Symphony in Handel's MESSIAH Tonight

The Houston Symphony will celebrate Christmas with Houston's premier performances of Handel's English-language oratorio "Messiah" at 8 p.m. Dec. 16-17 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Grammy-winning conductor Stephen Stubbs will make his Houston Symphony debut leading the concert from the harpsicord.

A true Houston Symphony holiday tradition, the piece tells the story of Jesus Christ's nativity, passion, resurrection and ascension through brilliant arias and rousing choruses. The famous Baroque-era work, which premiered in Dublin in 1742, was composed in just 24 days. It is structured in three parts and includes famous melodies "Ev'ry Valley" and the glorious "Hallelujah Chorus."

Backed by the Houston Symphony Chorus, soprano Teresa Wakim, countertenor Jakub Jozef Orlinkski, tenor Thomas Cooley and bass Kevin Deas will appear as soloists. Wakim and Orlinski will also be making their debuts with the orchestra.

All programs and artists are subject to change.

With the exception of the Dec. 15 performance at Sugar Land Baptist Church, all concerts will take place at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, 615 Louisiana Street, in Houston's Theater District. For tickets and information, call (713) 224-7575 or visit houstonsymphony.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the Houston Symphony Patron Services Center in Jones Hall (Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).