Israel Embraces (Handel’s) Messiah
– By Batina Lorenz –
You can’t escape it. Each year, from the time the Thanksgiving leftovers are put away, until December 25th, every church, radio station, music hall, college auditorium and shopping mall in America is permeated by Handel’s Messiah.
Not so in Israel. But this musical super- classic recently made history (and headlines), when it delighted Israeli audiences entirely in Hebrew. First in the north, then in Tel Aviv- Yaffo, with a grand finale in Jerusalem, this famous oratorio was performed by the Liturgi- Kal Choir in collaboration with the Israel Chamber Orchestra. Initiated by Messianic leader, musician and composer David Loden and conducted by Monica Meira Vasques, the soloists included David Loden, Nava Loden, Paulo Mestre, and Eitan Drori.