I’m enjoying my time so far here in Eugene for the Oregon Bach Festival.  We just do our two performances of Haydn’s “The Creation” this week.  This was my first time to perform this work, and I have to say - it’s probably not my favorite piece of music.  The opening of the oratorio is SPECTACULAR.  It’s so exciting to hear the overture and then the “big bang” happens.  What follows shortly after is also quite thrilling.  After that, I think Haydn lost steam a bit.  There are some beautiful arias and choruses, but in general, there’s just not as much drama as one might hope for.  Regardless, it’s worth it just for the opening of the piece!

In other news, I will performing a few solos while here at the festival.  I’ll be singing the tenor solos in Cantata #6 of Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” and a little part of Handel’s “Messiah.”  Yay!

Speaking of “Messiah,” we are now working on a new work by Sven David Sandstrom.  It is a new setting of the “Messiah” text.  I’ll have more thoughts as we get further into it, but I think it’s going to be REALLY cool.  The music is edgy, energetic, and takes lots of risks.  One thing is for sure - it will not be boring! Here’s a little preview video about the work: