Music Center Holiday Favorite, December 16

DANBURY — Danbury Music Centre will present its annual performance of Messiah, an oratorio by Georg Frederick Handel, on Friday, December 16, at The First Congregational Church. Doors for the 7 pm performance will open at 6:45.

The Danbury Concert Chorus, with a baroque chamber orchestra comprised of members from Danbury Symphony Orchestra, has presented this masterwork since 1958. The 130 performers of the chorus and orchestra will be under the direction of Christine R. Howlett, music director and conductor of Danbury Concert Chorus.

Joining the ensemble will be Fiona Smith Sutherland, organist (and director of music ministry for Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown), and Maxim Vladimiroff, playing the Bettina Baruch Memorial Harpsichord. Soloists are Courtney Budd, soprano; Jacquelyn Matava, mezzo-soprano; James Ruff, tenor; and Curtis Streetman, bass.  All soloists have distinguished professional singing careers in major performing venues throughout the United States.

Written in 1741, Messiah has won a place in history as the most performed and most well-loved of all oratorios.  It is most often performed during the Christmas and Easter holidays. Well-known choruses include “The Hallelujah Chorus,” “For unto us a Child is Born,” “And the Glory of the Lord,” and the closing chorus, “Worthy is the Lamb,” ending with the great Amen.

Suggested donation is $10 per person, $15 per family, payable at the door.

The First Congregational Church is at the corner of West Street and Deer Hill Avenue. For additional information call Danbury Music Centre, 203-748-1716.