'MESSIAH’ on Its Fifteenth Year

Two Nights, One Mission of Spreading Hope to All

by Anton Vincenz Tantoco

photos from John Ritche Jandayan & Arian Dimalibot

It was a fitting intro to a new year. The Holy Society of King David (HSKD) once again presented Handel’s Messiah last November 30 and December 2. The musical presentation, now on its 15^th year, (the first was in 1997 at the Philam Life Auditorium), was shown for free  on the first night and was priced at Php500.00 on the last night.

Different perspective, same message

This year’s Messiah featured less movement, less of the lively aspect – a style which was revived last year. Until 1999, HSKD had been doing the Messiah without the aid of movement.

The aim was to get the people to focus intently on the music.

Despite the lack of dance and drama/mime, the message was relayed unhindered. It still displayed how we, as sons and daughters of the Almighty, have been given hope. That, amidst the turmoil of society, we have the Messiah guiding us and helping us overcome.

Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines, on the first night, said in conclusion that “Messiah” should be used to spread the message of hope to everyone.

“I give you a challenge,” he said, use this as a tool for evangelism.”