Mark Your Calendars for 20th Production of Too Hot To Handel January, 2024
Rackham Choir Presents ‘Too Hot To Handel,’ January 13, 2024 at the Detroit Opera House, performed by an All-Star Roster of Jazz, Gospel and Classical Artists
The Jan. 13, 2024 performance marks the first staging of the jazz-gospel favorite after a 4-year absence from the Detroit stage. Rackham Choir first presented “Too Hot To Handel” in 2000. In attendance was Dr. David DiChiera, Artistic Director and founder of Michigan Opera Theatre who then brought it to the Opera House later that year. The jazz gospel Messiah features melodies and lyrics from Handel’s
Messiah, reinterpreted by Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson based on a concept by Marin Alsop.
Those who have seen it know – and those that haven’t are about to learn- this exuberant celebration is both uplifting and empowering. This year marks the 20th Production, and we have a new date that makes it ideal to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This jazz-gospel version of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” incorporates several musical styles and scriptural messages of hope and inclusion that echo the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. King Jr.’s words of hope for peace and justice.
There is only one performance of this unique jazz-gospel take on the “Messiah.” Sure to be a performance to remember, the show features tenor Rodrick Dixon, soprano Alfreda Burke, and alto Karen Marie Richardson. They are joined by full orchestra, the Too Hot to Handel Trio, an all-star ensemble of outstanding Detroit classical, gospel and jazz musicians: Marion Hayden at the acoustic bass, Alvin Waddles at the piano and Dave Taylor on drums, and other performers. Maestra Suzanne Mallare Acton conducts the performance.
One Performance Only:
Saturday January 13, 2024 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for the Saturday, January 13 7:30 p.m. show are now available at a variety of prices at the Detroit Opera Box Office, https://detroitopera.org/too-hot-to-handel/ and (313) 237-7464. Group Discounts are also available for Saturday night.
Special Student Dress Rehearsal
Friday, January 12, 2024 11:00 a.m.
Study Guide:
Educators: there is an updated curriculum that will be advanced to your students. “Affirming Our Identities Through Music” explores the African American experience through the lens of the various genres included in Too Hot To Handel and the perspective of some of the principal performers as POC in the classical music world. This is also a great springboard for further discussions in February around Black History Month.
Click here for a short video: https://youtu.be/WdH2Uy8vGe0
Reservations:
There are specially priced $10 student tickets specifically for the Friday, January 12 Student Dress Rehearsal and scholarships are available. For student reservations, contact Detroit Opera House Group Sales groupsales@detroitopera.org and (313) 309-8251.
There are scholarships available as well. Email inquiries to: administration@rackhamchoir.org.
One Performance Only:
Saturday January 13, 2024 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for the Saturday, January 13 7:30 p.m. show are now available at a variety of prices at the Detroit Opera Box Office, www.detroitopera.org and (313) 237-7464. Group Discounts are also available for Saturday night.
Rackham Choir is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kresge Foundation. Too Hot To Handel is also supported by The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.