Maestro Porco – equally-skilled, but oh-so-different – believes that the wonder of music is “in the details.” He is precise and demanding with his choristers, who respect him enormously. The challenge for all chorus masters in preparing their singers for the relatively unknown demands of guest conductors, is to anticipate all the diverse possibilities while establishing their own set of consistent standards and practices. It’s a task of delicate balance, and one at which Porco is, well, a master.

The concerts were relatively well attended, given the already crowded season and the fact that Messiah was a newly inserted “tradition.” There was speculation and anticipation among chorus and orchestra as to whether, if successful, this might become an annual event. It appears as if an annual CSO Messiah might be a strong audience draw in future years. The challenge, as with any tradition, is to keep it fresh and new each year.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Make this a “Cincinnati” Messiah, using only locally-based performers led by a prominent Baroque conductor.
• Taking inspiration from Cincinnati Opera’s “Opera Idol” from this past summer, hold a competition each year to choose the soloists among singers who reside in the Tri-State. There are a number of area singers who compare quite favorably with the soloists from this CSO performance. Open it up to all singers, pros and amateurs, who are full-time residents of the Tri-State. (College kids have plenty of other opportunities.) Involve CSO fans in the process via YouTube and public auditions in later rounds.
• The May Festival Chorus is an excellent volunteer group, but their forte is large-scale choral works, not the nimble soloistic requirements of Baroque oratorio. I realize that I am in danger of preaching blasphemy here, but to insure that the CSO has the best chorus possible to compliment its efforts in this more intimate realm, I propose holding separate auditions for a Messiah chorus. Again, open this to all interested locally-based singers – may the best prevail.
• Perform Messiah somewhere other than Music Hall. Give it the relative intimacy it deserves. The question is…where? This is one of those times when we so badly need a smaller alternative to the grand scale of Music Hall. Suggestions…?
• Why shouldn’t the singers be paid, also. This chorus does not have to be the 75-80 singers that were used this weekend; a highly skilled chorus of 40 would be sufficient, and could fit in front of the proscenium for increased aural and visual presence in the hall. Cost: $15-20K. Find a sponsor! If the CSO isn’t hiring “world class” singers to travel from elsewhere, this money could go to choristers…

What are your thoughts? Should this become a regular event (annual or bi-annual)?

Do you agree with the proposal above or not and why?

What about a change of venue? Where might this be held?

Please share your thoughts…

Best wishes to all for a bountiful 2010!