Too Hot To Handel

1/18/20 – The 15th annual presentation of Handel’s classic Messiah was reimagined again this weekend as a spirited jazz-gospel makeover at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre leading up to Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday. Performers included a 100 person choir directed by Bill Fraher, full orchestra led by Suzanne Mallare Acton as well as a jazz combo, and soloists Roderick Dixon, Alfreda Burke, and Karen Marie Richardson. Performances are also the kick off for the “Year of Chicago Music” with remarks from Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly.