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MEDIA RELEASE: Soundstreams Announces the World Premiere of Electric Messiah 2020

TO BE BROADCAST THIS DECEMBER

Friday November 27, 2020 // Toronto, ON – Soundstreams has announced its original reimagining of Handel’s masterpiece Messiah in a special broadcast event airing for free on December 17, 2020 at 8 PM EST. This year’s world premiere holiday event escapes the confines of in-person venues and transforms into a full-length music video, complete with a mix of on-location outdoor filming in the public spaces of Toronto, studio recordings, and a unique cinematic approach. Featuring a dynamic cast, a brand-new commission, and a mix of musical styles ranging from jazz to soul/hip-hop, Electric Messiah brings the past to life in a fresh way that reflects the city we live in.

With Rob Kempson, stage director and Adam Scime, music director/electronics, the cast includes Lindsay McIntyre, soprano, Teiya Kasahara, treble, Jonathan MacArthur, tenor and Andrew Adridge, bass,  SlowPitchSound, turntables, Joel Schwartz, guitar, Wesley Shen, harpsichord, Joel Visentin, electric organ/keyboard, and Lybido, dancer. Among other reimaginings of Handel’s classic music, Electric Messiah includes a new work by Ian Cusson, O Death, O Grave. The production team includes Blake Hannahson, cinematographer and Pouya Hamidi, audio engineer. 
 
“This year’s Electric Messiah is unlike any other, but the spirit of innovation has always been a part of the very fabric of this show.” said Kempson. “As in past years, we once again look at the material with a new lens, and through film we can also create a kind of cinematic love letter to the city of Toronto, where we reflect this well-known music through the filter of our contemporary world. I guarantee an experience unlike any other and I hope you’ll share it with us.”
 
Free registration for Electric Messiah is open now at soundstreams.ca. The broadcast will premiere December 17, 2020 at 8pm EST. Run time is approximately 50 minutes.
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About Soundstreams
Soundstreams is one of the world’s leading contemporary music companies, and the largest global presenter of new Canadian music. Artistic Director Lawrence Cherney and Executive Director Menon Dwarka are committed to showcasing the work of living and international composers with a focus on innovative thematic and experiential programming. Soundstreams also serves a broad community of music lovers through free outreach and education programs including Salon 21, Emerging Composer Workshop, SoundWave, and SoundMakers.
 
Ian Cusson‘s new work is commissioned with the generous support of Michael and Sonja Koerner. 
 
Visit soundstreams.ca for more information.
 
For interviews, images, or more information please contact:
Tim Crouch, Director of Marketing and Patron Experience, Soundstreams
[email protected]
 
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/soundstreams