‘Messiah’ Returning To St Peter’s Sunday Evening

DANBURY — Danbury Music Centre will presents its annual performance of Messiah, the oratorio by Georg Frederick Handel, on Sunday, December 17, at 7:30 pm, at St Peter Church.

First performed in 1742, Messiah has won a place in history as the most performed and favorite of all oratorios. It is most often performed during the Easter and Christmas holidays. Well known choruses include “The Hallelujah Chorus,” “For unto us a Child is Born,” “And the Glory of the Lord,” and the famous closing chorus “Worthy is the Lamb,” ending with the great “Amen.”

Danbury Concert Chorus, with a baroque chamber orchestra comprised of members from Danbury Symphony Orchestra, has presented this masterwork since 1958. The 125 performers of the chorus and orchestra will be under the direction of Richard Price, music director and conductor of Danbury Concert Chorus.

Joining the ensemble will be organist Stephen Roberts and harpsichordist Maxim Vladimiroff. The Bettina Baruch Memorial Harpsichord will be used in this performance.

Soloists will be soprano Jane Thorngren, mezzo soprano Laura Vlasak Nolen, tenor Walter MacNeil, and bass Walter Du Melle.  All four soloists have had long and distinguished professional singing careers including appearances in many major performing venues throughout the United States.

Thanks to ongoing support from Union Savings Bank, the performance is free to the public. Goodwill offerings at the door will be accepted.

St Peter’s Church is at 104 Main Street in Danbury, across the street from the police department. Doors to will open at 6:30 for this popular performance. Seating is first come, first served. Contact the music center for additional information at 748-1716.