his December I had the pleasure of attending three different performances of Handel’s Messiah, including a performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by early music specialist Bernard Labadie. The Eugene Symphony’s artistic presentation was as spirited and captivating as the L. A. philharmonic’s. Giancarlo Guerrero gave another energetic and quite lively rendition of the Messiah. Nothing ever sounded static or lagging in feeling or tempo yet the slower movements were full of charm.

            The soloists were all quite wonderful. Tenor Chad Freeburg’s appealing voice soared over the lively and energetic tempo of “Ev’ry Valley Should be Exalted”. Carlos Archuleta (bass) was a pleasure to listen to, not only because of his sonorous voice but because his diction was so clear one could also understand his words. Counter-tenor Joseph Schlesinger gave an exquisite performance. His tone was always beautiful, and refined with a sound that was clean and pure, and soprano Genevieve Christianson was just as lovely and graceful in her performance especially in her high register.