Handel’s Messiah Sing-a-long

Messiah Community Sing-along Concert

An Annual Tradition since 1910

Join us this year:

Sunday, December 2nd, at 4:00PM (sing-a-long rehearsal with the choir & orchestra at 2:30PM)

First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary

Universally acknowledged to be one of the greatest masterpieces in all musical literature, Messiah has undoubtedly been performed more times than any other major choral work. First performed in 1742, it is a mark of its greatness that the work has endured through so many generations and varied interpretations.

While almost all of Handel’s oratorios have Biblical subjects, Messiah is the only one that is titled a “Sacred Oratorio” and every word of the text is taken directly from scripture. The story of Jesus, the Messiah, is told with music that exquisitely captures the drama of the scripture texts.

The celebration of Messiah at First Presbyterian Church is a long-standing tradition; the first performance took place in the current sanctuary more than 100 years ago in 1910. The community sing-along became an annual tradition in the late 1950s, under the baton of Dr. Milton Johnson. The tradition continues this year as the Chancel Choir and soloists of First Presbyterian lead hundreds of community singers. They will be joined by a professional orchestra, comprised of members of the Spokane Symphony and other area musicians. Dr. Garth Hangartner, director of Music and Worship at First Presbyterian Church, will conduct.

The community sing-along is open to all. If you wish to sing, please arrive by 2:15 PM to register and be seated. The rehearsal will begin promptly at 2:30 PM. Scores will be available for checkout if you do not have your own.

If you would like to sing with the Chancel Choir for this concert, the rehearsals are from 7:00 to 8:00 PM Thursdays, on November 1st, 8th, and 15th; Monday, November 19th from 7-9PM (Thanksgiving week); and the Dress rehearsal is Thursday, November 29, 7:00 to 10:00 PM.

There is no admission charge.  A freewill offering will be taken to cover the expenses of this memorable concert.

For more information, email Laurie Mead, lauriem@spokanefpc.org, or fill out the Worship and Music interest online form.

We look forward to seeing you on December 2nd!

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