Dr. Timothy Shantz, Artistic Director of Richard Eaton Singers, has many different connections to Handel’s Messiah. “I have sung it in choirs and as a soloist. I have prepared choirs for other conductors. And I’ve conducted it numerous times, with different orchestras.”
He still finds new layers in its music. “What is amazing about these big works is that for performers, it tells lots of different stories. I remember singing it as a chorister. I sang solo portions at Carnegie Hall. You think about all these different experiences, for conductors and choirs.”
When he walks on to the Winspear stage on December 13 and 14, the choir awaiting his direction will be large. Richard Eaton Singers features approximately 100 voices.
“The neat thing with Richard Eaton Singers is that some people have sung it hundreds of times, while some people are new to it,” says Shantz. “You are sharing it in a context that includes mentoring within the choir. On the stage it’s interesting to see a wide range of people and experiences.”
There are, of course, rewards and challenges that go along with conducting such a large choir. “The acoustics are wonderful in the Winspear. The chorus can bring the grandeur to the work, but there are soft and intimate sections, too, with the soloists and with the orchestra. The Hallelujah Chorus and the Amen sound amazing with a big choir.” And, he says, “You want to make sure the choir stays together.”
When asked if he has a favourite piece within Messiah, Shantz says, “There are so many favourites! But there is a short soprano aria, ‘How Beautiful Are the Feet of Them That Preach the Gospel of Peace’ that is wonderful. Only violin and continuo accompany the soloist. I like some of those simple places. The big moments are there, but there are some lovely soft moments, too.”
Shantz says, “I’m looking forward to hearing it all! We come back to it each year with experience. We remember past performances, but we also want to make it fresh and dynamic.”
Handel’s Messiah will be performed by Richard Eaton Singers and The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra on December 13 and 14 at The Winspear Centre. Very few tickets remain! Get info at winspearcentre.com.
