Northwest Wayne News

Detroit ACE, in partnership with Rackham Choir and Ralco Industries, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Too Hot To Handel," a jazz-soul-R&B-gospel reinterpretation of George Frideric Handel's "Messiah." The community events kick off with a free panel discussion titled "Mighty Sounds: The Legacy of Detroit's Jazz and Gospel." The discussion, moderated by Rochelle Riley, the City's Director of Arts and Culture, will feature jazz critic Mark Stryker, Deborah Smith Pollard, professor emerita at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Alvin Waddles, the pianist for Too Hot To Handel. The panel discussion will take place on January 7th at Marygrove Theatre.

The celebration continues with a Student Dress Rehearsal on January 12th, where students from Detroit and surrounding counties will have the opportunity to watch the dress rehearsal for "Too Hot To Handel" at the Detroit Opera House. The choir has underwritten ticket prices and transportation to make the event accessible to more students. Additional support is being sought to bus more interested students to the event.

The main performance of "Too Hot To Handel" will take place on January 13th at the Detroit Opera House. The performance will feature soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke, and Karen Marie Richardson, as well as celebrated Detroit musicians Marion Hayden, Alvin Waddles, and Dave Taylor. The production will be conducted by Maestra Suzanne Mallare Acton.

Founded in 1949, Rackham Choir is the oldest community choir in Detroit. This year's 20th Anniversary Production of "Too Hot To Handel" marks the return of the beloved jazz-gospel favorite after a four-year absence from the Detroit stage. The performance will be presented during the weekend before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day to extend the holiday season, as the work has traditionally been performed in the past.

Emily Eichenhorn, President of Rackham Choir, expressed the belief that the music and message of "Too Hot To Handel" represent a cross-cultural musical celebration that builds community. She sees the January performance as an ideal way to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The performance incorporates scriptural messages of faith, hope, and inclusion, echoing Dr. King's words of hope for peace, justice, and equality. Rochelle Riley, Director of Arts and Culture for Detroit ACE, expressed pride in partnering on efforts to introduce and reintroduce Detroit children and audiences to all forms of music.

Tickets for the performance on January 13th are available at the Detroit Opera Box Office, and group discounts are available. Student tickets for the January 12th Student Dress Rehearsal are priced at $10, with scholarships available. Reservations can be made through the Detroit Opera House Group Sales or Rackham Choir.

Rackham Choir is supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Kresge Foundation. The Too Hot To Handel production is presented by Platinum Sponsor Ralco Industries and is supported by The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

Detroit ACE, Rackham Choir, and Ralco Industries are coming together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of "Too Hot To Handel" and the legacy of Detroit's jazz and gospel music. The events, including a panel discussion and a student dress rehearsal, aim to nurture a new generation of classical music lovers and promote community engagement. The main performance, featuring talented soloists and celebrated Detroit musicians, will take place at the Detroit Opera House. This is a unique opportunity to experience the jazz-gospel reinterpretation of Handel's "Messiah" and celebrate the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tickets are available for the performances, and student discounts and scholarships are offered. The Rackham Choir, supported by various organizations and foundations, is committed to bringing diverse music experiences to the Detroit community.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://detroitmi.gov/news/mighty-sounds-legacy-detroits-jazz-and-gospel-january-7-celebrates-too-hot-handels-20th-anniversary