SARATOGA SPRINGS — Berkshire Choral International (BCI), makes a return appearance at Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 16.
Gary Thor Wedow conducts Handel’s oratorio “Judas Maccabaeus.” Written in 1747, five years after Handel wrote “Messiah,” “Judas Maccabaeus” features rousing choruses, ravishing duets, and fiery arias. Rich in high drama and glorious pageantry, the oratorio tells the story of the Israelite, Judas Maccabaeus, who led the Jewish rebellion against the Syrian Greeks in 160-167 BC. In this powerful account, Maccabaeus regains the Second Temple of Jerusalem from heathen hands and preserves the Jewish religion.
Founded in 1982, Berkshire Choral International (BCI) expands the horizons of singers through participation in exhilarating performances, enriching travel and cultural exploration, lifelong music education, and connection to an inspiring community of choral artists. During weekend or week-long singing experiences, knowledgeable amateurs study, rehearse, and perform masterpieces of the choral repertoire under the direction of world-class conductors, with professional symphony orchestras. In-depth workshops, lectures, and courses with professional staff round out the educational experience. Residencies take place in culturally rich US and international locations.
The Albany Symphony Orchestra joins BCI for this performance. Tickets are $25 general admission ($10, age 18 and under) and may be purchased in advance at Eventbrite.com. On the day of the concert, tickets are also available at the Arthur Zankel Music Center Box Office starting at 5:30 p.m.
BCI’s 2022 summer seasons take place in Lenox, Massachusetts; Sonoma, California; Saratoga Springs, New York; and Barcelona, Spain. BCI’s previous appearance at the Arthur Zankel Music Center was in 2018 and featured Walton’s “Belshazzar’s Feast” and Handel Coronation Anthems under the direction of Joe Miller.