Handel's Messiah

Every year the Philadelphia Orchestra performs Messiah as a special Christmas show. The timing is perfect for my mom's birthday, and I took her as her gift. My Grandma, Aunt Carol, and cousin Gina also joined us, and we had a lovely Philadelphia day between brunch and the performance.

L to R: Me, Mom, Gina, Aunt Carol, and Grandma.

The Kimmel Center is truly a stunning venue with its all-glass, arched ceiling and guitar-shaped Verizon Hall.

View of the outer wall of Verizon Hall w/glass ceiling behind.

The performance is just wonderful — very moving and powerful. If you aren't familiar with Messiah, it was composed by Handel in the 1700s supposedly in just 24 days and tells the story of Jesus Christ. Surely you've heard certain parts of this work, as it includes the Hallelujah chorus.

The Philadelphia Orchestra performs along with the Chorale choir and four soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, bass). Interestingly, my former landlord is one of the violinists!

The stage inside Verizon Hall. The solosits and conductor
hadn't come out yet in this photo.

It's a lovely Christmas tradition that serves as a wonderful reminder of the story of Jesus Christ and meaning of Christmas, all just in time for the holiday.

View down Broad Street from the Kimmel Center — City Hall in the center.