Camerata Chicago brings 'Messiah' to three suburban venues this weekend
Conductor Drostan Hall leads a 40-piece ensemble in Handel's oratorio and coronation anthem at Oak Park, Wheaton, and Hinsdale locations.
By Robert Marshall ·
Camerata Chicago will present George Frideric Handel's English-language oratorio 'Messiah' and the anthem 'Zadok the Priest' across three suburban venues starting Friday, Nov. 20. Conductor Drostan Hall leads the 40-piece chamber orchestra and chorus in this three-concert run.
The ensemble was founded in 2003 by British-born violinist Hall. The group performs on modern instruments and has previously appeared at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, and the Chicago Cultural Center. A news release describes the ensemble as one of America's finest chamber orchestras.
The program opens with 'Zadok the Priest,' HWV 258, an anthem composed for the coronation of King George II. The text references the biblical anointing of King Solomon by Zadok. This is followed by Part I of 'Messiah,' traditionally associated with the Christmas season. The performance concludes with the 'Hallelujah' chorus from Part II. The chorus sings the piece first, after which the audience is invited to join in a sing-along.
Soloists for the performance include countertenor Key'mon Murrah, who will sing the soprano role, mezzo-soprano Camille Robles, tenor Daniel Luis Espinal, and bass-baritone Laureano Quant. Chicago violinist Eric Gratz serves as the guest concertmaster for the 2026-27 season.
Admission prices range from $2 for children 14 and under to $75 for VIP tickets. Adults pay $50, while seniors 65 and over pay $40. Students purchase tickets for $10. An online code offers a 15% discount on purchases. Tickets are sold at CamerataChicago.org and via phone at 312-799-0916.
The first concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, at the Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., in Oak Park. The second performance is at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., in Wheaton. The final concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, at Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 S. Garfield St., in Hinsdale.
