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July 29 - August 1, 2019 | Abbey Road Studios, UK
In 1959 the world was introduced to a brand new vibrant version of George Frideric Handel’s most famous oratorio, Messiah. Unlike any other arrangement of the classic Christmas work, Sir Thomas Beecham’s RCA Soria Series recording contained over the top, totally unique reorchestrations by English composer Sir Eugene Goossens. An expanded orchestra with a tuba part, triangle, bells, cymbals, and the rest of the kitchen sink led to a revolution in the way the Messiah was listened to, spoken of, and appreciated by the masses. The album dominated the holiday music charts and continues to be one of the most beloved and listened to Messiah recordings of all time.
Over 60 years later, the 1959 Goossens/Beecham Messiah recording remains the only professionally documented iteration of this arrangement on catalog ...until now.
Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), a leading classical music producer in New York City, has brought the live concert experience of Goossens/Beecham's MESSIAH...REFRESHED! to Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center for the past nine years (since 2011). The New York Times reviewed the performance three times and the concert has been broadcast live via facebook to over 171,000 people.
This new album will be led by DCINY Artistic Director and Co-Founder Jonathan Griffith and recorded at legendary Abbey Road Studios with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the original orchestra featured on the 1959 recording. It will feature an international roster of singers and soloists from all over the world, including the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain and the Jonathan Griffith Singers. This new recording aims to capture the excitement, energy, and passion often conveyed to audience members in DCINY's live concert performances.