NM Philharmonic brings Handel to Rio

RIO RANCHO — On Dec. 21, the New Mexico Philharmonic and the Luminaire Choir will be performing George Fridrick Handel’s beloved symphony “Messiah” at Cleveland High School.

New Mexico’s largest professional classical symphony orchestra, the NM Philharmonic serves more than 40,000 audience members and 20,000 students annually.

“It is also an important economic driver as a key cultural asset that helps to create the quality of life that attracts and keeps businesses and individuals in the community,” says the philharmonic’s website, nmphil.org.

Part of that community involvement is bringing their art to students and audiences all over the state, especially during the holidays.

This year, the philharmonic is performing Handel’s 1741 English-language oratorio “Messiah” at two different locations: Dec. 20 at First United Methodist church in Albuquerque, and Dec. 21 at CHS. The performance will be conducted by Bradley Ellingboe with accompaniment from the renowned Luminare Choir.

“Experience a transcendent tour de force — Handel’s masterwork the way it was meant to be,” NM Philharmonic said in a news release.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

For tickets and more information, visit nmphil.org. Use the code RRMESSIAH10 for a 10% discount.