$15 Adults
$5 Community Ticket
Panel Presentation on Saturday, Novmeber 15 at 3:30 p.m.
Talk-back with performers on Saturday, Novmeber 15 at 8:30 p.m.
Portland and Los Angeles-based arranger/organist Jack Maeby, with support from theatrical director Carol Tanzman, reimagines The Messiah, Handel's masterpiece, as a secular gospel music oratorio from the lens of immigrants and refugees in crisis zones. By using the experiences and talents of local refugee students and adults, as well as musicians and singers conversant with gospel music, the program aims to present an inclusive vision of the immigrant/refugee journey that is also an enlightening and dynamic musical experience.
The Gospel Messiah is more relevant than ever, given the ever-increasing number of refugees seeking shelter worldwide. The performances will feature local musicians and a core group of singers, along with the multi-national girls' refugee choir Pihcintu, interlaced with spoken word pieces by Moon Machar, former Indigo Arts Resident in addition to alumni of The Telling Room. The power of Handel's music in a dynamic gospel interpretation will create a riveting theatrical experience you won't soon forget!
The project will be produced and performed at The Hill Arts.
Other events in the series include:
The Scent of Grief, spoken word performance by Moon Machar, former Indigo Arts Resident. Open mic after the performance. August 28 at 5:00. Free event. No tickets needed.
A performance by Pihcintu Multi-National Girls Choir: "What beautiful voices...isn't it incredible-BRAVO!" Yo-Yo Ma. September, 2025. Date and Time TBD. Free event. No tickets needed.
Gospel Music Lecture/Demo by composer/arranger Jack Maeby: "Soul stirring gospel joy that will knock you down and leave you speaking in tongues... (Maeby) burns rubber on your immortal soul." LA Weekly. Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Free event. No tickets needed.
The Gospel Messiah: A Refugee Oratorio. Graphic designed by Moon Mashar.
Generous Funding for The Gospel Messiah: A Refugee Oratorio provided by The Onion Foundation
Generous Funding for The Gospel Messiah: A Refugee Oratorio provided by Maine Humanities Council