A Choral Portrait of America offers a reflective and richly textured exploration of the American choral voice, tracing how landscape, community, faith, and longing have shaped a shared musical language. Featuring works by composers such as Copland, Randall Thompson, Whitacre, Paulus, and Stephen Foster, this program presents America not as a single story, but as a chorus of voices—plainspoken and soaring, intimate and expansive. Rooted in folk melody, hymnody, and modern lyricism, the music invites listeners to hear the nation anew: not as an idea, but as a living, breathing sound shaped by the people who sing it.

EPSG:4326

Ocala Symphony Chorus: A Choral Portrait of America

Reilly Arts Center

This concert presents the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah as a focused and radiant proclamation of hope, tracing the arc from prophetic longing to the joy of Christ’s birth. Beginning with the solemn promise of comfort and moving through moments of darkness, wonder, and exultant praise, these selected movements reveal the dramatic and theological clarity at the heart of Handel’s masterpiece. Heard in this distilled form, Messiah becomes both intimate and expansive—inviting listeners to linger in the mystery of the Incarnation before rising together in the triumphant acclamation of the Hallelujah Chorus.

Ocala Symphony Chorus: Handel’s Messiah

The Music Box series offers an intimate chamber music experience unlike any other in Ocala. Set in the Reilly Arts Center’s NOMA Black Box Theatre, audiences sit just feet from the musicians, creating a rare sense of connection and immediacy. Featuring Ocala Symphony musicians and special guests, each concert pairs exceptional performance with engaging insight—inviting listeners inside the music. Music Box celebrates collaboration, curiosity, and the joy of live music shared up close.

Joshua Mazur

Events

Upcoming events

Sep 27, 2026

Ocala Symphony Chorus: A Choral Portrait of America · Reilly Arts Center

Nov 22, 2026

Ocala Symphony Chorus: Handel’s Messiah · Reilly Arts Center

May 2, 2027

Music Box 5: Joshua and Hannah Mazur · Reilly Arts Center

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Messiah by Handel

Reilly Arts Center

About

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