Handel’s Messiah is one of those durable traditions that are the music industry’s equivalent of “Black Friday.” In the Bay Area, if this is part of your holiday to-do list, then here are five words for you: American Bach Soloists, Grace Cathedral.
You can choose from lots of fine Messiah performances, but you have to ask yourself where you’re most likely to have the entire experience. Combine the incredibly appropriate atmosphere of Grace Cathedral, atop San Francisco’s Nob Hill, with Jeffrey Thomas’ crack orchestra and chorus forces (plus four redoubtable soloists), and you have your winner. Of course, it is expensive, but seats still go quickly, so waiting will mean wanting in this case. There’s currently a 5 percent discount for online orders.