Of Music and Messages

Berkshire Bach is presenting for its spring choral concert the great oratorio “Judas Maccabaeus” by George Frideric Handel. Giving it added meaning, the performance is dedicated “to promoting tolerance and understanding” through the piece, “which over the centuries has come to represent the struggles of a people to find their place within the community and live in peace,” says the group’s press release. The event comes on the heels of local, national and international incidents that have universally drawn concern, from the defacing of a synagogue in Pittsfield to the shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords to the controversy of the Islamic center near New York City’s Ground Zero. It has elicited an unusual outpouring of support from musical luminaries. In an open letter (available on the group’s website, www.berkshirebach.org), violinist Eugene Drucker, cofounder of the Emerson String Quartet, writes, “The story of Judas Maccabaeus, especially as told through Handel’s magnificent oratorio setting, has long been emblematic of humanity’s struggle for religious freedom, and, by extension, of the quest for tolerance and peaceful coexistence among countries, ideologies, religions and ethnic groups.” He continues, “In the spirit of Bach and Handel, may the intricate counterpoint of diverse backgrounds and beliefs contribute to a fuller, more harmonious and inclusive sense of our common humanity.” Second in rank only to “Messiah” among Handel’s oratorios, “Judas Maccabaeus” was written five years later and displays more melodic and harmonic daring, as well as a more operatic sensibility. Alternating moods of despair, tranquility and triumph find full expression by the music. The story told, in three movements, depicts the battles of the eponymous Jewish soldier against the Hellenistic King Antiochus, and by extension, the liberation of the Jewish religion from conquest. Handel actually wrote it as a tribute to his contemporary, the Duke of Cumberland, who had just defeated the last Stuart (“the Young Pretender”) to try to capture the British throne. Frank Nemhauser conducts, with the Berkshire Bach Singers, orchestra, and guest soloists Daniel Molkentin (Judas Maccabaeus, tenor), Charles Wesley Evans (Simon, baritone), Katharine Dain (Israelitish Woman, soprano) and Mary Gerbi (Israelitish Woman and Israelitish Priest, mezzo soprano). The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 29, at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, MA.Tickets range from $10 to $35 (children and students with IDs are free) and can be obtained by calling the Colonial Theatre box office, 413-997-4444, or going online at www.thecolonialtheatre.org.