VERO BEACH — For the 46th 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 Avenue, Vero Beach, on Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20 beginning at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and 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 on the concert, please call the church at (772) 567-4341 or go to www.treasurecoastchorale.org.