‘Messiah’ Sing-In Being

 Planned For December 10

NEW CANAAN — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will host a “Handel’s Messiah Sing-In” at 7 pm on Sunday, December 10. The public is invited to the church at 682 South Avenue (across from the entrance to Waveny Park).  Admission is free.

A 70-member choir and 35-member full orchestra will be directed by Jeanne Whiting. The audience will be invited to sing along on all choruses. Singers are asked to bring their own vocal scores, if they have them. A limited number of vocal scores will be available at the door to borrow or purchase.

“This is a unique and special event for the community,” says Ms Whiting. “This Messiah performance was enormously successful in 2002 with over 600 in attendance. Whether you wish to come as a singer or just listen to this magnificent music, you’ll find an inspiring evening of what is generally acknowledged to be the greatest oratorio ever written.”

Soloists for the concert will be tenor Dan Montez, baritone Winthrop Buswell, soprano Vanessa Quigley, and mezzo soprano Meghan McLoughlin.

Concertmaster is Andrew Thomson, 17, a senior at New Canaan High School. Organist for the performance will be Yoshie Akimoto Eldredge; rehearsal pianist has been Stephanie Young.

The performance will include more than 100 area musicians, among them members of the Newtown congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Residents participating in the choir and orchestra include Ronna Draper, Tamara Kemsley, Adam Lysenko, Richard Pooley, Laura Sullivan, Andy Thomson, Lisa and Mike Tovey, and  Jana and Sue Wutzke.