November 21, 2025
Benjamin Rivera, Conductor
Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus
Josefien Stoppelenburg, Soprano
Ashlee Beth McCrory, Mezzo Soprano
Geoffrey Agpalo, Tenor
Ryan Cox, Bass
Experience the timeless magic of the holiday season with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s enchanting Messiah by Candlelight. Set within the warm glow of candlelight, this annual tradition transforms Handel’s beloved oratorio into a transcendent masterpiece. Immerse yourself in choral and orchestral brilliance as the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, along with Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus, brings to life the sacred narrative and jubilant spirit of Handel’s Messiah.
Program
HANDEL
Messiah, HWV 56
PART ONE
Overture (Sinfony)
Recitative: “Comfort ye, my people”
Aria: “Every valley shall be exalted”
Chorus: “And the glory of the Lord”
Recitative: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive”
Aria: “O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion”
Recitative: “For, behold”
Aria: “The people that walked in darkness”
Chorus: “For unto us a Child is born”
Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
Recitative: “There were shepherds”
Chorus: “Glory to God”
Aria: “Rejoice greatly”
Recitative: “Then shall the eyes of the blind”
Aria: “He shall feed His flock”
Chorus: “His yoke is easy”
Intermission
PART TWO
Chorus: “Behold the Lamb of God”
Aria: “He was despised”
Chorus: “Surely He hath borne our griefs”
Chorus: “And with His stripes we are healed”
Chorus: “All we, like sheep, have gone astray”
Recitative: “Thy rebuke hath broken His heart”
Aria: “Behold, and see”
Recitative: “He was cut off”
Aria: “But Thou didst not leave”
Chorus: “The Lord Gave the word”
Aria: “How beautiful are the feet”
Chorus: “Their sound is gone out”
Aria: “Why do the nations so furiously rage together”
Chorus: “Let us break their bonds asunder”
Chorus: “Hallelujah”
PART TWO
Aria: “I know that my Redeemer liveth”
Chorus: “Since by man came death”
Recitative: “Behold I tell you a mystery”
Aria: “The trumpet shall sound”
Recitative: “Then shall be brought to pass”
Duet: “O death, where is thy sting?”
Chorus: “But thanks be to God”
Chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb”
