Gloriæ Dei Cantores Performs Handel’s ‘Messiah’ Dec. 15 and 16

One of the most beautiful pieces of choral music ever created will soon be heard in the Church of the Transfiguration in Rock Harbor, Orleans as Gloriæ Dei Cantores performs George Friderich Handel’s “Messiah” on Friday and Saturday evenings, Dec. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Gloriæ Dei Cantores will perform the Christmas portion of Handel’s great work under the baton of Richard K. Pugsley with orchestra and internationally acclaimed guest soloists.

Kirsti Pfeiffer said that Handel composed “Messiah” in only 24 days, during a time in his life of great personal need.

“It became perhaps the most enduring choral work of all time,” Pfeiffer said. “Performances of this classic are a tradition that spans hundreds of years. The music is filled with depth, and the message timeless. Handel's ‘Messiah’ has brought joy and the good news of salvation to generations of people, and it will be performed again here on the Cape this Christmas season, within days of the darkest day of the calendar year.”

Gloriæ Dei Cantores is the resident choir at the Church of the Transfiguration, where they sing worship services, concerts, and record throughout the year. Over the last 35 years, the choir has sung in concert halls and churches in 23 countries across Europe, Russia, and North America. Their performances have received enthusiastic critical praise for their artistic elegance, performance authenticity, and compelling spirituality. They sing music spanning from Gregorian chant, to the 21st century.

Preiffer praised the Church of the Transfiguration as the perfect setting in which to experience the choir performing Handel’s “Messiah.”

“What an amazing place to experience this work, surrounded by fresco, mosaic, glass work and sculpture by local and international artists that depict the story of salvation,” Pfeiffer said.

Pfeiffer said Maestro Pugsley is known for his musical sensitivity and performance authenticity. He has conducted Gloriæ Dei Cantores for over 15 years, and performed with the choir in concert halls and churches across Europe, Russia, and North America for over 25 years. His passion for enlivening the sacred texts of choral literature as relevant and present encounters of sung prayer spans the traditions of ancient Gregorian chant, to classic repertoire, modern works, and rarely-performed choral gems. He is a singer himself, accomplished producer of over 30 recordings, and a tenacious advocate for youth music education.

The Church of the Transfiguration is located at 5 Bay View Drive in Orleans. Tickets for students and those under age 18 are free. For tickets call 508-240-2400.