The music of Handel featured at Christ Church concert

NEWTON — The Royal Coronation Anthems written for King George II will be showcased on Saturday Nov. 12 when those masterpieces plus other selections written by George Frederich Handel will be performed at Christ Episcopal Church in Newton. Conducted by Joseph Mello, the renowned Christ Church Parish Choir will be accompanied by an outstanding chamber orchestra featuring S. Gregory Shaffer on the pipe organ and many special guests as they play pieces from Handel’s musical repertoire other than Messiah. Joining the Christ Church Choir for the evening of fine music will be The Children’s Chorus of Sussex County along with star soloists tenor Scott Mello and soprano Shannah Timms Yerofeyeva. The magnificent Coronation Anthems and other selections will give listeners a greater understanding of Handel’s choral legacy. Although known mostly for the masterwork Messiah, Handel was responsible for over 40 operas, 120 cantatas and numerous chamber works, arias and oratorios. These works are having a current resurgence and the concert at Christ Church will give listeners an overview of this phenomena. Born in Germany in 1685, Handel moved to England in 1710 from his job as Kapellmeister (music director) to German Prince George, Elector of Hanover. In a bizarre twist of irony, Prince George later became King George I of Great Britain in 1714. This caused Handel some embarrassment which he overcame by composing masterpieces for George such as the Water Music and later the Coronation Anthems. Two of the Coronation Anthems to be performed on Nov. 12: Zadok the Priest and The King Shall Rejoice. Additionally, the orchestra will perform with feature oboist Nancy Vanderslice the lovely Oboe Concerto No. 3 in G Minor, and S. Gregory Shaffer will play the Organ Concerto, Opus 4, No. 6 on the pipe organ. Other selections for The Children’s Chorus of Sussex County are “Lascia ch’oi pianga” from Rinaldo and, “Ombra mai fu” from Xerxes. Guesting will be one of the great young tenors of today Scott Mello of Fredon. Having performed worldwide, Mello will be spotlighted as he sings “Sharp Violins Proclaim” from Ode For St. Cecilia’s Day. Meanwhile, Shannah Timms Yerofeyeva will sing “Let’s Imitate Her Notes” from Alexandra’s Feast. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. concert. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased from Lou’s Music Center, 120 Spring St., Newton, call 973-579-5786 or from Christ Church Choir members. A reception will follow the concert.