Handel at Christ Episcopal Church

NEWTON — The Royal Coronation Anthems written for King George II will be showcased on Saturday, Nov. 12, when those masterpieces and other selections written by George Frederich Handel will be performed at Christ Episcopal Church in Newton. Conducted by Joseph Mello, the Christ Church Parish Choir will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra featuring S. Gregory Shaffer on the pipe organ and other special guests. Joining the Christ Church Choir for this evening of music will be the Children’s Chorus of Sussex County along with star soloists tenor Scott Mello and soprano Shannah Timms Yerofeyeva. The Coronation Anthems and other selections will give listeners a greater understanding of Handel’s incredible 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 experiencing a resurgence and the concert at Christ Church will give listeners an overview of this phenomena. Two of the Coronation Anthems to be performed on Nov. 12 are Zadok the Priest and The King Shall Rejoice. The orchestra will perform (with feature oboist Nancy Vanderslice) 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. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. concert. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased from Lou’s Music Center, 120 Spring St. in Newton or by calling 973-579-5786. Christ Church Choir members will also be selling tickets. Christ Episcopal Church is located at 62 Main St. in Newton. A reception will follow the concert.