Marin Alsop Leads Baltimore Symphony

The New York Post described Too Hot to Handel as "the jazziest, most soulful reinterpretation of Handel's Messiah you'll ever hear." The piece features a dynamic line-up of solo vocalists, including legendary jazz singer Vaneese Thomas, classically trained lyric tenor Thomas Young and Broadway star Rozz Morehead. Gospel pianist Clifford Carter, bass player Mike Pope and drummer Clint de Ganon will join the BSO for this jazzy rendition.

In addition, the BSO welcomes Too Hot to Handel co-arranger, Bob Christianson, performing on a Hammond B-3 Organ. See below for complete program information.

Originally premiered in 1992 at New York City's Avery Fischer Hall, Too Hot to Handel offers audiences a fresh twist on a familiar holiday favorite. Marin Alsop collaborated with Gary Anderson and Bob Christianson to create a revised version of Messiah that broke the traditional bounds of classical music. Maestra Alsop explains, "We started talking about this idea of re-envisioning Handel's work, such that the DNA of the piece remained the same-the melodies, harmonies, structure and text-however, it is all treated differently. We've expanded the traditional orchestra to include a full rhythm section, gospel piano, electric guitars and a Hammond B-3 jazz organ. It becomes an active listening experience, when you're allowed to stand up or clap your hands."

Morgan State University Choir will lend their legendary energy to the piece. The MSU Choir was also Maestra Alsop's choir of choice when the work originally premiered. "I find it especially rewarding to collaborate with Morgan State University Choir. They are not only exceptional musicians, but they bring infectious energy to every piece they perform."

In addition, to engage younger audiences with the highlights of Too Hot to Handel, Marin Alsop will entertain Family Series patrons on December 6 at 11:00 a.m. with some kid-friendly conversations from the stage. (The Family Series' Too Hot to Handel will be a shorter performance, approximately 60 minutes.)

Marin Alsop, conductor

Hailed as one of the world's leading conductors for her artistic vision and commitment to accessibility in classical music, Marin Alsop made history with her appointment as the 12th music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. With her inaugural concerts in September 2007, she became the first woman to head a major American orchestra, which mirrored her ongoing success in the United Kingdom, where she served as the Principal Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony from 2002-2008 and now holds the title of Conductor Emeritus.

In 2005, Marin Alsop was named a MacArthur Fellow, the first conductor ever to receive this prestigious award. In 2007, she was honored with a European Women of Achievement Award and in 2008 she was inducted as a fellow into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Maestra Alsop is a regular guest conductor with the New York Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic. She also appears frequently as a guest conductor with many distinguished orchestras worldwide. After a highly successful 12-year tenure as music director of the Colorado Symphony, Ms. Alsop continues her association as conductor laureate. She also continues as music director of the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in California.

Marin Alsop attended Yale University and received her master's degree from The Juilliard School. In 1989, her conducting career was launched when she became a prizewinner at the Leopold Stokowski International Conducting Competition. -- www.bsomusic.org