Soulful Messiah Comes to Harbourfront (Toronto) Dec 3 to 5

Highly acclaimed in previous years - from a media release:

Ballet Creole presents
Soulful Messiah
December 3, 4,  2010 at 8 PM
December 5 at 3 PM
Fleck Dance Theatre - Harbourfront Centre

Soulful Messiah is a contemporary dance interpretation of a "soulful" rendition of Handel’s oratorio, The Messiah. This rendition, infused with R&B, joyously blends Handel’s Messiah and the voices of legendary black singers, inspiring a cornucopia of tap, popular and African-Caribbean dance movements; a tour de force with undeniable holiday appeal.

It brings a blend of contemporary and African-Caribbean dance that complements the unique musical score from the CD “Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration” to create an evening of pure delight. The music is produced by Grammy Award winner Quincy Jones and features the likes of Stevie Wonder, The Boys Choir of Harlem, Vanessa Bell Armstrong Patti Austin, and Al Jarreau to name a few.

This year the audience will be mesmerized by yet another section to this work in progress. The newest section is the most blues driven thus far in the company's holiday tour de force. With the distinctive harmony of saxophone and piano, the music explores passive jubilance in the renewal of life after death.

While Mr. Parson’s inspirations are many, he fervently explains that, “I always wanted to do something that runs parallel with The Nutcracker. Moreover, I wanted it to be something that all cultures can find aspirations of joy and hope. When I listened to the music, I realized it runs through the gamut of Black music – the Caribbean, the Highlife, the Jazz, the Soul – I became convinced, this is most fitting.”

Here's an interview with Patrick Parson, Artistic Director, speaking about Soulful Messiah along with a pictorial of past shows since 2002.

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