I saw it Saturday at Strathmore.
This venue is really the best I have heard for vocals and acoustic instruments. I sat at the dead center acoustically (front row center box) and really enjoyed the sound. I could clearly identify instrument groups and hear them distinctively. I could close my eyes, listen for the Cellos and I could located them exactly where they really were -- right center behind the violas. 15 violins (2 groups), 6 violas, 4 cellos, 2 basses, 2 Carinets, 2 trumpets, 1 bassoon, 1 organ, 1 timpani, 4 principle singers and the chorus could clearly be seen and heard. Aside from the bass/baritone being slightly underpowered in the lower register (like maybe he was miscast?) I though it was one of the best Messiah I have heard.
