Handel’s ‘Messiah’ At St John’s Church

DANBURY — Danbury Music Centre will present on Sunday, December 19, its annual performance of Messiah, an oratorio by George Frederick Handel.

The masterwork will be sung by the 100-voice Danbury Concert Chorus and accompanied by Danbury Baroque Chamber Orchestra. This will be the third Messiah performance with Richard Price as music director and conductor.

Messiah was first performed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1742. It has since become a holiday favorite. The tradition of standing during the Hallelujah Chorus began at its first performance when King George II, reportedly bored, rose to stretch and his entire entourage followed suit. Audiences have risen to their feet during the Hallelujah Chorus ever since.

Soloists are Karen Morse, soprano; Laura Vlasak Nolen, mezzo-soprano; Sean Fallen, tenor; and Rodney Davis, bass.

The performance will begin at 7:30 pm. It will be at St Peter’s Church, 104 Main Street in Danbury.

Admission is free, thanks to generous funding from Union Savings Bank. Donations at the door are welcome.

For further information, call Danbury Music Centre at 748-1716.

This popular performance usually attracts an overflow audience. Doors will open at 6:30 pm and early arrival is suggested.