Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico and members of youth choruses present Handel’s Messiah Dec. 18. Courtesy/PVNM

MUSIC News:

ALBUQUERQUE — For the sixth year in a row, Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico and members of youth choruses from Tijeras, Rio Rancho and Albuquerque will present selections from the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah – one of the most famous pieces of music in the classical repertoire at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Cathedral of St. John, 318 Silver Ave. SW in Albuquerque.

This 45-minute, educational concert geared towards kids of all ages will be paired with favorite carols of the season – all with engaging storytelling. It will include the professional singers of Polyphony performing alongside and collaborating with professional and volunteer singers and instrumentalists from several different musical organizations in the city.

This is a free concert. Participants are encouraged to sport Handelian wigs, bring comfy pillows to sit on, and wear festive clothing to mark the occasion. Preceding the concert, there will be a Breakfast with Santa event at 8 a.m. sponsored by the Cathedral of St. John. All are welcome!

“A gorgeous tapestry of sound … Directing a carefully-chosen group of singers, [Maxine] Thévenot conducts with a minimum of gesture eliciting a maximum effect—the mark of a master conductor.” – The Albuquerque Journal

“A group made up entirely and proudly of New Mexico singers, Polyphony, Voices of New Mexico, has quickly become the area’s premier chamber chorus … The ensemble boasts a unified blend of voices top to bottom with impeccable intonation … Thévenot is a musical force to be reckoned with” – The Albuquerque Journal

“…there was a luxuriant sound to the group, solid throughout its range from stratospheric sopranos to robust basses. One can easily become mesmerized in the opulent sonorities. ” – The Albuquerque Journal

Note: This is a FREE event. Please bring two non-perishable items for the Cathedral’s Food Pantry.

Founded in 2006 by Dr. Maxine Thévenot, POLYPHONY: Voices of New Mexico and incorporated as a 501c (3) non-profit organization in 2007, PVNM promotes talented professional musicians who reside in New Mexico. POLYPHONY consists of a flexible roster of singers allowing audiences the opportunity to hear the finest choral repertoire written for a variety of forces. PO Box 92583, Albuquerque, NM 87199, 505.821.1956. Visit: www.polyphonynm.com polyphonyvoicesofnewmexico@gmail.com.