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St. Luke’s To Host Community Sing

St. Luke’s Community Messiah Sing will be conducted by Andrew Schmidt and accompanied by organist Brian Bogey. Submitted photo

The community is invited to celebrate the Christmas season by joining the Festival Choir at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and special guests in a Community singing of Handel’s Messiah on Friday, Dec. 30, at 8 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

Written by George Frideric Handel, the Messiah has become a favorite and familiar Christmas tradition for many. First performed in 1742, the work recounts the story of the life of Jesus as told in the Bible. Often called “timeless and Inspirational” the piece has become one of the worlds most treasured selections.

Andrew Schmidt, Director of Music at St. Luke’s will be the conductor for the program and renowned local organist Brian Bogey will accompany on St. Luke’s spectacular Aeolin Skinner Organ. Soloists for the evening will be Victoria McIlvain (soprano), Marika Koch (soprano), Catherine Way (alto), Ed Coverdale (tenor) , and Jake Shearer (bass).

“We have been thinking of hosting this event for quite some time.” says Schmidt. “We held a similar community sing a few years ago, and had a tremendous response. Christmas just seems the perfect time for local music lovers to come together to perform this popular and enduring favorite. Singers do not need to be professionals to participate, we welcome everyone, regardless of training or experience. This promises to be a wonderful and uplifting event, and we invite anyone to participate, either as a singer or as an audience member.”

The program will include Part 1, often called the “Christmas portion” of the piece, as well as the Hallelujah Chorus. Scores will be provided, although singers who have their own score are invited to bring them. Guests are welcome to sing along or to just come and listen to the music. Singers are asked to arrive at the church by 7 p.m. to receive seating assignments and attend a short rehearsal.

The performance is free to the public — both singers and audience members — and will be followed by a short reception.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is located at 410 N. Main St., Corner of Fourth and Main, Jamestown. For more information about the Messiah sing or other programs at St. Luke’s call the church office at 483-6405.

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