Grace Church hosts ‘Messiah’ sing-along in tribute to 282nd anniversary of oratorio’s world premiere

Prominent conductor returns to her Brooklyn roots for community outreach projects in music

April 15, 2024 Francesca Norsen Tate

Choral conductor Judith Clurman (left) (Photo courtesy Michael Yeshion) and Organist and Choirmaster Paul Richard Olson (Photo credit by Lisa Hancock).

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The public will have the chance this Saturday to join voices in a sing-along of Handel’s “Messiah” on the 282nd anniversary of the beloved oratorio’s world premiere in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13, 1742. The Sing Along will also be the occasion for Flatbush native and acclaimed choral conductor Judith Clurman to return to Brooklyn with her ensemble Essential Voices USA for this event at the landmark Grace Church Brooklyn Heights.

Clurman got the inspiration for the “Messiah” anniversary event during a trip she and her husband took to Dublin some years ago, noting composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed his own version of “Messiah,” having loved that work. “It’s a magical score,” said Clurman, who pointed out that it premiered during the Easter (spring) season, even though “Messiah” has become a mainstay of the Christmas season.

Grace Church will host the Sing Along at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, April 13, with its longtime organist and choirmaster, Paul Richard Olson, accompanying on the parish’s Austin pipe organ. The Sing Along will feature selected choral selections and solo arias from the famed oratorio. Guest artists include soprano Elisa Singer Strom, alto Helen Karloski, tenor Paul D’Arcy, and bass Benjamin Howard.

Judith Clurman’s Essential Voices USA (EVUSA) is one of New York’s preeminent choral ensembles. EVUSA comprises a talented roster of seasoned professionals and auditioned volunteers dynamically fitted to the unique needs of each project. They have appeared at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts. Their numerous recordings include America at Heart, Appalachian Stories, Christmas Joy, Cradle Hymn, Remember-Revere-Rejoice, Rejoice! Honoring the Jewish Spirit, May You Heal, Winter Harmonies, and Words Matter.

The EVUSA Community Project is a series of free public events throughout the five boroughs, with support from the Billy Rose Foundation and individual contributions. Previous programs include concerts and workshops with public school students in the Bronx and Brooklyn, as well as holiday concerts in Manhattan. Concerts, workshops, and recordings are planned for 2024-2025.

Clurman is an active, impassioned choral conductor in addition to her work with EVUSA. She conducts the Singing Tree Float in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Her work has received Emmy and Grammy nominations. She was director of Choral Activities at The Juilliard School for 18 years and a faculty member for the National Endowment for the Arts/Columbia University Institute in Classical Music and Opera. She currently teaches at the Manhattan School of Music and The New School.

Accompanist Paul Olson, who since 1992 has led Grace Church’s music ministry as organist and choirmaster, holds degrees in music from Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Oregon and has completed additional post-graduate studies in performance at the University of Washington, the Eastman School of Music, Indiana University, and Eton in the United Kingdom. He maintains an active schedule as a recitalist, clinician, conductor, and accompanist in New York City and throughout the United States.

“I love this score and always wanted to make people aware that Handel had this premiered in Dublin,” said Clurman. “This is part of EVUSA’S community project — bringing music to people to get them singing and aware of great art! It is my hope that the public will come and join in the delight of singing through this glorious and meaningful music in a beautiful space.”