The severe weather we experienced on December 19 was challenging.  A beautiful day with temperatures in the 50s, gave way to hazardous winds and temperatures in the 20s, all within 6 hours’ time. Driving up to Princeton, Route 295 was a constant struggle against windshear. However, we made it to the Richardson Auditorium on the Princeton University campus to experience the perennially presented Messiah, by George Frideric Handel.

Born the same year as Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685, Handel was, as Laurie Schulman wrote in her program notes, a very different composer. Cosmopolitan, popular in his many operas, he shifted to oratorio by necessity, creating splendid examples of the genre. None are more beloved than his Messiah. 

New and rising talents were featured as Conductor, and vocal soloists. Montclair State University Singers were guests for this full house performance. We were given a small, intimate ensemble of musicians from the Symphony, with a rather large choir. 

The four soloists acquitted themselves admirably,  while the Montclair singers literally burst with energy in their spirited performance. They made a lasting impression. The rather small contingent of male singers more than made up for the fact. Forceful, yet often plangent, singing highlighted by clear diction and manly enunciation thrilled the audience throughout. 

Anthony Parnther conducted robustly, and the New Jersey Symphony musicians were stellar. That trumpet truly sounded. 

At least eleven in the audience found the maestro motioning for all to stand a bit odd. After all, it commemorates the King’s spontaneous joy of the moment. 

Many noted that audience favorite conductor Markus Stenz would only be performing in Morristown and Newark, not in Princeton. Hopefully,  many will journey up to Morristown or Newark to hear those concerts February 26, 27, or March 1.

Principal Guest Conductor Joshua Bell will perform this year, and through the 2028-2029 season, according to official announcement.

Some suggestions. Those of us who use rollators, must surrender them to ushers. There were well over a dozen outside the auditorium. Those ushers are not usually around at performance end, so it is challenging to pick out one from identical others. Patrons should label theirs, in the same manner as luggage on an airplane. Having ushers waiting to deal with the service would help as well.

Often, at least one of the front doors is propped open for easy exit after the performance. This wasn’t the case tonight.  Those who are handicapped, who don’t travel with an entourage, would appreciate an open door. 

The New Jersey Symphony will next appear at Richardson Auditorium on January 9, March 13, May 15, and June 5. For more information,  and other venues and performances, visit www.njsymphony.org.