Santa Monica will host Handel’s popular holiday oratorio “The Messiah” with acclaimed director Daniel Suk and young local soprano Golda Berkman promising a breathtaking performance.
In conjunction with Urth Caffé, the Dec. 5 concert will be held at St. Monica Catholic Church at 8 pm and includes a catered dessert reception in line with the local business’ philosophy. Artistic director and founder of the Dream Orchestra, Daniel Suk, will conduct the concert.
“Urth Caffé, believes that great music, coffee, and food make life better,” said Urth Caffé, owner Shallom Berkman. “The concerts are truly inspiring, beautiful, and even spiritual. We have been blown away by the caliber of his [Suk’s] musicians and performances.”
Berkman met Suk and the Dream Orchestra after Suk discovered Berkman’s opera-singing daughter Golda at Colburn Music School in 2013. Golda has since performed in several concerts with the Dream Orchestra.
“Everybody should experience the Dream Orchestra’s “Messiah” concert,” Berkman said. “Maestro Suk has an incredible vision of sharing beautiful music with people of all generations.”
Founded in 2011, Suk’s Dream Orchestra is comprised of some of Los Angeles’ best professional musicians, and regularly performs throughout the region.
Singing the choral numbers of Handel’s “Messiah” will be the newly formed Opera Chorus of Los Angeles. A group of 35 singers, they are considered some of Los Angeles’ best professional opera and choral singers.
A quartet of professional opera singers will complete the evening: Hak Soo Kim, rising young Tenor and alumnus of LA Opera’s Young Artist Program; the versatile and accomplished Bass, Patrick Blackwell; Lacey Jo Benter, Mezzo-soprano with the LA Opera Young Artist Program; and the talented teen soprano, 15-year-old Golda Berkman.
“I am so honored to be a part of the ‘Messiah’ because it is such a festive and glorious piece of music that should always be played, especially during the holidays,” Golda said, adding that performing with such a high level of professionals is a great opportunity for someone her age.
“Working with them inspires me even more to perfect my craft and strive for excellence. I wish that someday, if I follow my dreams, I will lead a successful career like they do.”
Dedicated to building a sustainable future for classical music, Maestro Suk explained that he actively creates opportunities for exceptionally talented students to perform alongside seasoned musicians.
Suk is a highly respected international musician who studied opera, piano, and conducting in Italy. He sang leading tenor opera roles with Italian opera houses, and has conducted ensembles in Europe and across America.
The concert will open with Suk’s Dream Youth Choir, a group of talented teen vocalists including Golda, performing three holiday songs.
“I choose to sing opera because the music always affects me emotionally like no other music I have heard of yet,” Golda said. “Opera and classical music are completely different than what other teenagers my age listen to and participate in. The reason that I enjoy singing, and love to be a part of the opera culture in general makes me feel unique, and it is the aspect that I use to identify myself.”
Following the concert, all ticket holders and performers will be invited to join the catered reception by Urth Caffé, in the grand Banquet Hall of St. Monica’s church. The reception will feature signature holiday desserts, hot chocolate, artisanal teas, and coffees.
Tickets are available for $30 general admission, $15 students and seniors. They can be purchased online at dreamorchestra.org or by calling 800.838.3006. A $5 discount can be claimed if tickets are purchased at Urth Caffé locations. For more information, visit urthcaffe.com.
