On Sunday, December 13, 2009, Senator José M. Serrano participated in the annual reading of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. This event, which draws large crowds from all around New York City, has become a holiday tradition in the Bronx. Music was performed by the Bronx Opera Chorus and conducted by Michael Spierman.

“It is an honor to have been, once again, selected as an orator for this year’s performance,” said Senator Serrano, who is a proud supporter of the Bronx Opera Company.

“Michael Spierman and the Bronx Opera Company are true trailblazers and pioneers in the world of performing arts. Even with a very limited budget, the company has consistently produced extremely high quality works that enrich the lives of people of all ages.”

Other readers included Congressman José E. Serrano, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Heather Hitchens.

The event was followed by the Taste of the Bronx food show,  produced by the Tourism Council, which allowed attendees to sample the cuisine of restaurants throughout the borough.