Artistic Info

TOO HOT TO HANDEL was conceived in 1993 by Marin Alsop and co-arranged by Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson.  The work was commissioned by The Concordia Orchestra.  This is a gospel-jazz version of George Frideric Handel's Messiah and features three vocal soloists, gospel choir, orchestra and jazz rhythm section.

Soprano & Mezzo-soprano - with gospel and/or R&B origins.  Both roles are more pop than classical, but require trained voices with wide range and control.

Tenor - this role is quite demanding.  It requires a classically -trained tenor who is extremely versatile in other musical genres:  he must be able to branch into gospel, jazz/scat and R&B styles with fluidity.

Gospel choir - 60 - 80 voices or more, depending on the size of the hall.

Orchestra instrumentation: 
5 saxes (lead alto dbl. on soprano sax)
3 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani + 2 percussion
Rhythm section: Jazz Piano, Hammond B3 organ, Electric guitar, Electric Bass guitar, Bass, Drumset & Strings

"The evening reminds audiences that some classical masterworks are so brilliantly conceived that they can thrive in practically any musical setting."
~ Chicago Tribune