Handel's "Messiah" performed Dec. 15

By Contributed
Published: December 03, 2009

The Christmas section of Handel's "Messiah" will be sung as it is each Christmas season at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 119 Caroline Street in Orange, Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m.
This is not designed to be a polished performance, but a time when the community can come together to sing and to listen to the words of scripture telling of the coming of the Christ Child and his birth. No performance of Handel's "Messiah" would be complete without the singing of the familiar Hallelujah Chorus, considered to be the most familiar and the most sung piece of Christmas music in the world.
For those who may be singing Handel's "Messiah" for the first time, never fear, for there will be others who have sung this extended work numerous times. We will be united as one voice to sing and to hear the familiar scriptural passages set to music as George Frideric Handel wrote it in 1742.
Musical scores will be provided for singers and listeners alike. Singers who have their own scores, however, are urged to bring them. This year, we are delighted to have as our conductor, Allen Miller, minister of music at the Orange Baptist Church. Allen is a recent graduate of Furman University where he majored in religion and music with cello as his principal instrument. He will be directing a 15-piece string ensemble as well as the singers. William Drake of St. Thomas Episcopal Church will be the organist.
A reception will be held in the Parish Hall immediately following the musical performance. Admission is free. However, we would appreciate any donations of non-perishable food stuff to be given to the Love Outreach Food Pantry in Orange. For further information about this event, please call the church, 672-3761.