Grammy Award winner Mark S. Doss returns to Chicago as soloist in Do-It-Yourself Messiah

CHICAGO, (Mark Doss) - Global opera star Mark S. Doss is returning for an encore performance at the Civic Opera House, home of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, as the bass soloist in Handel's Do-It-Yourself Messiah. Now in its 31st year, this large-scale piece for orchestra, chorus and soloists is one of Chicago's most beloved holiday traditions. This year's concert will take place on December 21 and 22, at 7pm.

Originally intended as an Easter oratorio, Handel's Messiah tells the story of Jesus' birth and life. Over the years, however, it has become more popularly associated with Christmas. The "do-it-yourself" idea was born at a small church in rural England more than 30 years ago and was first staged in Chicago in 1975. Audience members are seated according to voice range (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) and sing with a full orchestra and four soloists.

Mr. Doss has delighted Chicago audiences for years, having appeared on the same stage last season as Alidoro in La Cenerentola (Cinderella) and Escamillo in Carmen. He has performed in 10 seasons at Lyric Opera of Chicago since 1984.

Later this season, Mr. Doss will return to Milan's world-famous Teatro alla Scala (La Scala) as Jochanaan (John the Baptist) in Salome. Mr. Doss has previously taken the stage at La Scala, having concluded his 2004-2005 season there as Alidoro, the royal tutor who takes the place of the fairy godmother from the original Cinderella fable. His upcoming performances at La Scala (Salome) will mark his fourth role there since 2004.

In April 2007, Mr. Doss will return to Santa Fe, New Mexico as the bass soloist in Dvorak's Stabat Mater. Mr. Doss was recently welcomed as a featured singer at the Santa Fe Opera's 50th Anniversary Arias Gala, which took place this past August. This gala event put the spotlight on the opera company's renowned apprentice program and celebrated singers, including Mr. Doss, who are enjoying successful careers on the world stage.

Mr. Doss' 2006-2007 season includes the role of Mephistopheles with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (Michigan, USA), in collaboration with the Kalamazoo Singers who are celebrating their 30th Anniversary Season, and he will appear in Peter Grimes in Valencia, Spain.

Mark S. Doss is also featured in the recently released DVD of Verdi's Aida, recorded live at the Theatre de la Monnaie in Brussels. Reviewers have applauded his work, recognizing "Another fine performance...from the powerful American bass, Mark Doss (Amonasro)," who was able to "subtly break free of the 'stand and deliver' directions and create a huge amount of emotion in his face and voice." (Reviewer Ltd., UK)