Inside the Music with Sasha von Dassow

Sasha von Dassow brings his skill as a performer and musical ambassador to the library with a series of concert talks designed to explore classical and other music from around the world. Events will feature performances and in-depth commentary with a light-hearted touch that highlight local performers, important local events, and topics of interest in music. Sasha is a cellist who spent his 50 year career as a performer, conductor, teacher, and chamber musician across the US with the aim of making classical and other music styles accessible and fun for audiences of all ages.

This month Sasha will take us on a tour of arguably the most performed and popular piece of Western art music, Handel's oratorio, "The Messiah". This enduring favorite will be performed locally in December, adding to the enduring legacy of performances since the first one in 1742. What is it's history? Why do we stand for the "Hallelujah" chorus? What makes the beginning a French Overture? These and other questions will be answered, with musical examples, on Wednesday November 12 at 11 am!