Handel's L'Allegro, il Penseroso

Handel’s musical ode based on the poetry of John Milton explores and contrasts two extremes of the human condition . . . the active and merry (L’Allegro) and the contemplative and melancholy (il Penseroso). Composed about two years before the ever-popular Messiah, L’Allegro is filled with musical charm, showing Handel at his best as he delights in creating musical depictions of the English countryside.  Set for soloists, chorus, and orchestra, the performance features the Handel Festival Orchestra led by Emlyn Ngai, violinist of Tempesta di Mare, nationally known soloists, and the Centre Singers.