The Orchestre Classique de Montréal is set to showcase the first-ever performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at the Crypt of Saint-Joseph’s Oratory.

The performance, set for Dec. 8, 2019, will feature soprano Aline Kutan, mezzo-soprano Annamaria Popescu, tenor Zachary Rioux, and baritone Gregory Dahl.

Kutan teaches Montréal’s Conservatoire de Musique in addition to enjoying an international career onstage. Rioux is currently the Artist in Resident at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, while Popescu has performed in some of the major organizations around the planet, including the Teatro alla Scala; she also teaches at McGill’s Univeristy’s Schulich School of Music. Finally, Dahl has performed at such major companies as the Met Opera, Opéra de Québec, Opéra de Montréal, Edmonton Opera, Canadian opera Company, and Vancouver Opera, among others.

The choirs will be made up such ensembles as Les chantres musiciens, Les filles de l’île, and OCM’s choir. In sum, there will be about 90 performers on stage to take on the famed oratorio.

The performance will be conducted by Boris Brott.