American Bach Soloists Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Bach Soloists Release Historic Version of Handel’s Messiah Handel’s Famous Work a Favorite All Year Round

San Francisco, Calif. (March 1, 2006) — With the arrival of Ash Wednesday and Easter approaching, contemporary audiences of any creed can enjoy the music of the season with American Bach Soloists’ (ABS) live recording of Handel’s Messiah. Named “Best American Specialists in Early Music” by The Washington Post, ABS’ historical version CD, released by Delos International, is now available.

“The American Bach Soloists performance of Handel’s Messiah has been a traditional holiday favorite for more than a decade,” said Jeffrey Thomas, American Bach Soloists’ conductor, music director and co-founder. “Now all can enjoy one of the most celebrated pieces of classical music in the Western World — all year round.”

The historical performance of Messiah was recorded live in December 2004 in the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts located on the campus of University of California, Davis. The American Bach Soloists Chorus and Orchestra, led by Thomas, performed the predominantly unheard autograph score version of 1741, which includes alternate versions of various arias and choruses and extended repeats, previously cut from other hybrid versions over the years. The American Bach Soloists also implemented a historic performance practice, which placed the chorus (traditionally behind the orchestra) in front of the world-class period instrument performers.

Complimenting the American Bach Soloists ensemble during the recorded performance were the four soloists featured: soprano Arianna Zukerman and tenor Steve Tharp — in their American Bach Soloists debuts — and the return of renowned countertenor Daniel Taylor and baritone William Sharp.

This special version is the perfect gift this holiday season for any lover of classical music, Messiah aficionado, friend or family member who appreciates fine musicianship in an intimate setting. The new CD can be purchased online at www.americanbach.org.

Founded in 1989, the American Bach Soloists (ABS) continue to introduce audiences to the masterworks of Bach and his contemporaries — as well as little-known gems from the Baroque and early-Classical eras — through historically informed performances using period instruments and leading vocal interpreters of Baroque music. Under the leadership of Co-founder and Music Director Jeffrey Thomas, named “a superstar among oratorio tenors” by The Wall Street Journal, the ensemble has become a veritable “Who’s Who” of early music specialists and has been called “superbly musical,” and “a breath of fresh air.” ABS has performed at the world’s leading early music festivals and has also made appearances in Singapore and Hong Kong. In an effort to foster a passion for classical music among today’s youth, ABS sponsors the annual International Young Artists Bach Competition and enables public school music students to attend concerts free of charge through its Tickets for the Schools program.

###