Danbury Music Centre presents Danbury Concert Chorus and Danbury Symphony Orchestra performing Messiah December 17 at 4 pm, at First Congregational Church, 164 Deer Hill Ave in Danbury. Donations are gratefully accepted, though admission is free thanks to the generous support of Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation.
This year’s performance is led by one of New York’s most exciting and revered conductors, James Blachly, as reviewed by the New York Times, Boston Globe, & Miami Herald Tribune.
James Blachly is a conductor dedicated to audience engagement, community outreach, and imaginative programming. Recently named the 12th Music Director of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Blachly also serves as Music Director of the Experiential Orchestra, Music Director of Geneva Light Opera, and is a co-founder of The Dream Unfinished, a social justice orchestra in New York City. Steve Smith, writing for the New York Times, praised his performance of Mahler 4, saying, “Mr. Blachly’s interpretation had a subtle elasticity” and his “thoughtful conception was admirable.” His innovative programming has invited audiences to dance to Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, join with the orchestra in “Loft Parties” in New York City, and engage with Symphonie fantastique and Petrouchka with circus choreography in an ongoing collaboration with The Muse in Brooklyn. Dedicated to finding new ways of empowering audiences, Blachly is also in demand as a speaker on Listening as Leadership, bringing his expertise as a conductor and passion for music to corporations, schools, and other organizations.
In addition to generous support from Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation, Danbury Music Centre is grateful for generous gifts from The Amalia and Nicola Giuliani Family Foundation for Religion and the Arts, and from Joan and Stephen Howard, in support of the 2017 performance of Messiah.
For more information, call Danbury Music Centre at 203-748-1716 or visit danburymusiccentre.org.