A ‘Messiah’ Makeover Holiday Classic Restructured To Reach A Broader Audience
A Christmas concert of classical and contemporary music is combined in “The Young Messiah,” booked for Friday night in the Arena.
A favorite holiday tradition of Norman Miller’s childhood in Scotland was to attend Handel’s “Messiah,” then listen to the music at home on his 78 rpm records.
As Miller grew into adulthood and became a professional musician, he began dreaming about restructuring Handel’s classic to reach a broader audience.
“I knew there were many people who would never go to see Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ but who would appreciate the music though … all they knew was the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus,” Miller has said.
“The Young Messiah” was first recorded in 1989 by Word Records and a television series was filmed for The Family Channel. The production debuted in Miller’s home church in Virginia Beach, Va.
The next year a tour was launched, performing to tens of thousands.
Miller figured the concert needed to draw at least 9,000 each night to break even. “We were all worried and wondered, ‘What if we only get 8,000 people per night?’ “
Even though that number would make it the largest tour in Christian music history, “we would absolutely lose our shirts,” he said.
Not to worry. The show averaged 14,000 for each performance that year and since has been seen by more than a million people.
It’s been performed in music halls across the country, in the White House for President Clinton’s private Christmas party, and for Jerusalem 3000, when it was backed by a 1,000-voice choir and a 100-piece orchestra.
Some musical purists have naysayed the presentation. Miller counters that Handel, too, was criticized for the syncopation and other “irreverent” innovations he brought to his work.
Featured in this year’s touring production are award-winning Christian musicians Carman, Russ Taff (who was part of the original touring company), Avalon, Margaret Becker, Crystal Lewis, Greg Long, Newsong and Donnie McClurkin.
Special guests are Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber from the Veggie Tales audio and video series.
The concert’s first half will feature a mixture of Christmas carols by individual artists, while the second part will be the presentation of the music as Handel created it 225 years ago.
The tour includes a 200-voice choir and full orchestra.
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MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: CONCERT “The Young Messiah” will be presented Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Arena. Tickets are $22.50, $16.50 and $12.50, available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT.