SEQUIM — Celebrate the Christmas season in Baroque fashion during an upcoming performance of George Frideric Handel’s “Singalong Messiah.”
Trinity United Methodist Church, 100 South Blake Ave., at 1 p.m. Dec. 31 will host the concert featuring conductor Jerry Wright.
Wright formerly was director of Seattle Girls’ Choir and Seattle Oratorio Society and Orchestra before retiring to Sequim, according to Joel Yelland, event media organizer.
The concert is free to attend, although donations will be accepted at the door.
“The ‘Singalong Messiah’ has been a holiday tradition in Sequim for years, attracting singers and instrumentalists from all over the North Peninsula to perform the well-known oratorio, as do thousands of other communities all over the world,” Yelland said.
“The emphasis of this year’s event will be on singing as many of the better-known choruses as can be fit into the two hour interval, and soloists, who have already been selected, will perform many of the important recitatives and arias.”
The performance is open to anyone who wants to sing along, Yelland said.
‘No requirements’
“There are no requirements for singing ability,” he said.
“If you want to sing, come.”
Instrumentalists also are invited to participate, although they are asked to RSVP with Yelland in advance at joelyelland@gmail.com.
“While we would love for as many to play as possible, we will have to limit the orchestra to the first six string players of each section and the first four of each non-string instrument,” Yelland said.
“The goal of this event is to allow as many musicians and music lovers as possible to participate in bringing some of the most beautiful music ever written back to our community, and to continue this annual tradition for as long as the passion for making music endures. We hope to see you there.”
Those who already have Messiah scores are encouraged to bring them as the supply of available scores is limited, Yelland said.
Those who do not wish to perform are welcome to just listen.
During intermission, a smorgasbord of finger foods will be available, with organizers asking attendees to bring along a favorite treat to share with both the musicians and audience members.
Instrumentalists will arrive at the church at 8:30 a.m., Dec. 31, to sign in and get their music. Rehearsal for the orchestra will be from 9 a.m. to noon, with voice soloists requested to arrive at 9:30 a.m. to rehearse with the orchestra. Chorus members should arrive at 12:30 p.m. to sign in, get scores and find their sections, which will be marked.
For more, visit www.sequimtumc.org or call 360-683-5367.
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Features Editor Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or at cmcdaniel@ peninsuladailynews.com.
