Mozart greatly admired Handel's Messiah and when asked in 1788 to perform it he happily agreed — that is, of course, after he'd given it a thorough updating. The Houston Chamber Choir brings Houston audiences a rare chance to hear this masterpiece as re-orchestrated by Mozart, complete with all the instruments then considered standard for a classical symphony: Trombones, horns, and, Mozart's favorite instrument, the clarinet.

Handel's original intention remains unchanged. It will be performed in its entirety as an Easter reflection on the biblical depiction of the life, birth, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.