Memphis Messiah
A Five-Star Evening
The Memphis Messiah, an annual benefit performance, is truly a five-star evening. In partnership with Orphanos Foundation, the event brings together: one of the greatest musical compositions ever written, the most life-giving words ever written, the instrumentation of the world-class Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the voices of the world-class choirs, and the comfort and acoustic splendor of the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.
Why Handel's Messiah?
Orphanos specifically chose Handel's Messiah for this annual benefit performance because of the rich history of the piece. Over the last 250 years this work has, in the words of one music historian, "fed the hungry, clothed the naked (and) fostered the orphan." The first performance in Dublin was given as a benefit for orphans, a charity hospital, and for people in debtor's prisons. Messiah later gained wide popularity in prestigious London circles as an annual benefit performance for a London orphanage. The Memphis Messiah celebrates this unique aspect of the history of Handel's work by bringing help and healing to children at risk.
Partnering With Education
In conjunction with a publicly attended concert, Orphanos Foundation partners with Memphis City Schools to provide a special program for underserved inner-city children. This includes a fully developed curriculum taught in the school system by trained music educators the week of the event. Each year approximatley 3,600 Title 1 Memphis area students and 1,800 students from the Catholic Jubilee Schools see an abbreviated version of the Messiah. The school administrators love this event and plan to continue to bring students in years to come. Their commitment is testimony to how well received this program is to the students.
Will You Help?
Clearly, Orphanos is a Memphis-based foundation that wants to have a local impact to complement its long-standing global reach. We are investing substantial resources on this local aspect of the Memphis Messiah to reach inner city children right here in Shelby County. Help us continue reaching Memphis by making a donation to the Memphis Messiah.
There is an impressive and growing list of Memphis companies who are choosing to make a statement in the Memphis community and sponsor this event; Why don't you make a statement and join with us. It's a small investment paying eternal rewards.
Click here to view a photo book from the 2009 event.
