Handel’s Messiah
a Bel canto christmas

experience Handel’s Messiah…with a twist in an intimate setting with full orchestra, dancers, and a choir of operatic soloists.

The Sanctuary
at the Neighborhood Congregational Church
December 20, 2024
7pm

 Inspired by original critical reviews of Handel’s Messiah being “too dramatic”, founders and creative directors, Arnold Geis and Oriana Geis- Falla have leaned into the operatic nature of the holiday favorite and have restructured the order to explore what redemption, hope and faith means in 2024.

Kyle Naig, conducts his first Messiah, following his rave review from LA Times earlier this year. This performance marks the debut of the Opera Laguna Chorus made up of operatic soloists who call Southern California their home. They have performed in houses all over the world, including Shanghai Symphony, L.A. Phil, L.A. Opera, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin,San Francisco Opera, San Diego Opera, Opera Philadelphia, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Cincinnati Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Seattle Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center and The Metropolitan Opera.

 The evening will be further illuminated by a special collaboration with the acclaimed South Chicago Dance Theatre. Under the creative direction of choreographer Kia Smith, the company will present contemporary dance interpretations, merging the timeless beauty of Messiah with modern movement to create an experience both elegant and fresh. Don’t miss the iconic "Hallelujah" Chorus!

Also featuring a special performance from our friends
Laguna Beach Chamber Singers!

In keeping with the spirit of celebration, guests will be invited to raise a toast to the holiday season with a glass of exceptional wine, hand-selected by Wine Craft.

KYLE NAIG

CONDUCTOR

Kyle Naig is a conductor, pianist, and coach from Des Moines, Iowa. In the 24/25 season, he appears as guest music staff at LA Opera (Madama Butterfly) and Houston Grand Opera (Breaking the Waves), while maintaining an active conducting schedule at several companies including Pacific Opera Project, Opera Orlando, Opera Laguna, and Pocket Opera. Since 2022, Kyle has held a faculty music staff position at San Francisco Conservatory. Kyle is a 2020 graduate of the Houston Grand Opera Studio.

Kyle has appeared as music staff at many other American opera companies, including The Dallas Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Opera Santa Barbara, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, The Glimmerglass Festival, North Carolina Opera, Virginia Opera, Opera Memphis, and Cedar Rapids Opera. kylenaig.com

Kyle Naig conducts with flair from the harpsichord.
— LA Times

Meet the artists

  • baritone

learn more about our fabulous choreographer

Kia Smith

South Chicago Dance THeatre

South Chicago Dance Theatre (SCDT) is a multicultural organization seamlessly fusing classical and contemporary dance styles as well as preserving historic dance work. With Choreographic Diplomacy™ at the heart of the organization, SCDT creates, performs, and teaches dance on a local, national, and international platform.

Orchestra

Violin 1

Lynne-Marie Friedrichs
(Concertmaster)  
Daniela Coriat
Gerry Hilera 

Violin 2

Patty Awaa
Lucy Ford
Jason Livesay

Viola

Gina Caviar
Regan Lambert

Cello

Diana Parmeter
Oliver Walton 

Bass

Sukyung Chun

Trumpets

Angela Romero 
Nathan Banegas