Arts Society tackles ‘Judas Maccabaeus’

Friday, March 26, 2004 | 8:31 a.m.

The production, being performed Sunday at Artemus Ham Hall, tells the story of the Jewish patriot and military leader Judas Maccabaeus, who led the Jewish rebellion against the Syrians.

George Frideric Handel wrote "Judas Maccabaeus" in 1746. It was first presented in April 1747. Handel conducted more than 30 performances of "Judas Maccabaeus" before he died in 1759.

"It has some of the most wonderful music," said Doug Peterson, music director of the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society. "Second to the 'Messiah,' it's Handel's most popular work."

Joining the Musical Arts Chorus will be the nationally recognized Thurmon White Middle School Children's Chorus, which joined the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society for its first performance of "Judas Maccabaeus" in 1992.

Soloists include New York City soprano Erika Wueschner (Israelite woman), mezzo-soprano Juline Barol Gilmore (Israelite man and other parts), tenor Dr. Alfonse Anderson (Judas) and bass-baritone Neil Wilson (Simon) of Richmond, Va.

Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society is a nonprofit group that features vocalists and musicians ranging in age from college students to senior citizens.