The local Public Radio station just finished Handel's Messiah

[question everything]

as played in Orchestra Hall. Was really wonderful.

I remember first time when I listened to it live, it was at Rockefeller Chapel in the University of Chicago campus. And when they reached the Hallelujah chorus, everyone stood up. So we did too.

The next week, one of my professors said that Queen Victoria started this custom saying something like - when the Lord is praised, even kings and queens stand up.

Anyone ever attended a live performance when everyone stands up at the Hallelujah chorus?? Or is it only when the performance is in a church?

[AwakeAtLast]

1. Here's what I found out on Wikipedia

"In many parts of the world, it is the accepted practice for the audience to stand for this section of the performance. Tradition has it that King George II rose to his feet at this point. As the first notes of the triumphant Hallelujah Chorus rang out, the king rose. Royal protocol has always demanded that whenever the monarch stands, so does everyone in the monarch's presence. Thus, the entire audience and orchestra stood too, initiating a tradition that has lasted more than two centuries. It is lost to history the exact reason why the King stood at that point, but the most popular explanations include:

As was and is the custom, one stands in the presence of royalty as a sign of respect. The Hallelujah chorus clearly places Christ as the King of Kings. In standing, King George II accepts that he too is subject to Lord of Lords.
He was so moved by the performance that he rose to his feet.
He arrived late to the performance, and the crowd rose when he finally made an appearance.
His gout acted up at that precise moment and he rose to relieve the discomfort.
After an hour of musical performance, he needed to stretch his legs."

I've sung the first portion three times. So much fun! Handel is great for sopranos.

[question everything]

2. Thank you. Interesting

how wonderful for you to be able to sing, and Handel, no less.

[AwakeAtLast]

3. I was a voice major in college

I teach now.

I don't get to perform as much as I would like to anymore. I still have some pipes, just no time.

[tigereye]

4. Messiah is wonderful - such a pleaure to see and listen to...

I believe folks have stood up at that point, when I've seen in in a concert hall.