Saratoga Voices Present Heroic Handel Judas Maccabaeus at UPH Nov. 19

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Voices will perform a semi-staged version of George Frideric Handel’s oratorio, Judas Maccabaeus next month at Universal Preservation Hall. 

“The story is incredibly relevant today. The music is fiery, triumphant, beautiful and engaging,” Dr. William Jon Gray, Artistic Director of Saratoga Voices, said in a statement. 

Judas Maccabeus was a Jewish freedom fighter and military genius who defended his country from invasion and secured freedom of religion for the Jewish people in 160 BC. Handel composed this oratorio, which is the story of Judas’ life set to music, in 1746. It has become Handel’s most popular oratorio, second only to The Messiah.

Tenor Thomas Cooley sings the title role of Judas Maccabaeus and baritone Jesse Blumberg sings the equally heroic role of Simon, the brother of Judas.

The event takes place 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov.19 at Universal Preservation Hall, on Washington Street. 

Tickets for Heroic Handel! Are $40/$35 seniors and can be purchased at the UPH box office – www.UniversalPreservationHall.org – or by calling the box office at 518-346-6204. To learn the story of Saratoga Voices, go to their website at www.SaratogaVoices.org