VERO BEACH — For the 44th consecutive year, two performances of George Frideric Handel’s inspiring oratorio “Messiah” will be presented by the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach as a Christmas gift to the Treasure Coast community.
Directed by the church’s Minister of Music and Worship, Dr. Michael Carter, “Messiah” will be performed by four professional soloists, instrumentalists of the Messiah Chamber Orchestra, and a 100 voice chorus consisting of the church’s sanctuary choir, other local choir members, and singers of the Treasure Coast Chorale.
The “Messiah,” written by Handel in 1741, tells the story of the birth, life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in aria, recitative, and chorus. It is the world’s ultimate Christmas story ranging from the prophecy of a savior to victory over death.
Soloists will be soprano Rebecca Holbrook-Loar, mezzo-soprano Jane Christeson, tenor Norton Christeson, and bass David Stork. Additional performing artists include Brady Johnson on the harpsichord and Jill Truax on the organ.
The performances will be held at the First Baptist Church, 2206 16th Ave. in Vero Beach on Saturday, Dec. 21, and Sunday, Dec. 22, beginning at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as a full sanctuary is expected.
Although there is no charge to attend, a free will offering will be taken to help defray some of the expenses of this glorious, inspirational concert.
Members of the audience will be invited to join the singers for the traditional “Hallelujah Chorus.”
For more information about the concert, please call the church at (772) 567-4341 or visit the website at www.TreasureCoastChorale.org.