May 13, 2008

The Fresno Community Chorus’ spring concert on March 17 and 18 will be Handel’s oratorio “Judas Maccabaeus” with professional orchestra and soloists Stephanie Hower, Chrisand Darling, Paul Murray and Terry Lewis.

The performances will be at 8 p.m. March 17 and 3 p.m. March 18 in the Music Building Concert Hall at California State University, Fresno. The chorus is directed by Dr. Anna Hamre, associate professor of music at Fresno State.

Written in 1746, five years after “Messiah,” when Handel was 61, this oratorio is based on the narrative about the exploits of the Jewish deliverer contained in the first book of Maccabees and in the 12th book of Josephus’ “Antiquities of the Jews.”

In 167 BCE, Antiochus IV set about the destruction of the Jewish religion, ordering every settlement to worship Zeus and other deities. Though some Jews refused, under threat of persecution many obeyed the new laws. One old priest, Mattathias, became so enraged any at seeing a Jew about to obey the order to offer pagan sacrifice that he killed him and pulled down the pagan altar. The priest and his family fled to the hills with others who were willing to fight for their faith. After Mattathias’ death, Judah, his third son, assumed leadership of the revolt. Winning a series of victories over the Syrians in 166–164 BCE, his purification in 166 BCE of the Temple of Jerusalem is celebrated at Hanukkah.

As warrior hero and liberator, Judah Maccabee inspired many artistic endeavors, including Dante’s “Divine Comedy,” Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labor’s Lost,” and paintings by Rubens, in addition to Handel’s oratorio. Familiar to many, “See the Conquering Hero Comes,” in the composer’s exultant style, closes this brilliant work.

Tickets are $15 general and $8 students and can be ordered by clicking here.