All we like sheep shall rejoice! as we flock to one (or more) of our area's performances and sing-alongs of Handel's beloved oratorio, 'Messiah.' Dig out your scores and tell your friends the good tidings: Hallelujah, the holidays are here!
Here's a chronological listing of 'Messiah' concerts happening all around the region.
Friday, December 1, 2023
Vermont Philharmonic, 7:30 p.m. Bethany Church, Montpelier
Lisa Jablow conducts a full orchestra and chorus, with local soloists in this annual tradition.
Saturday, December 2, 2023
South Burlington Community Chorus, 7:30 p.m. McCarthy Arts Recital Hall, St. Michael's College, Colchester
Erik Kroncke conducts and pianist Alison Cerutti accompanies the chorus in this performance that includes Part 1, the Halleujah Chorus, and the Great Amen.
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Vermont Philharmonic, 2:00 p.m. Barre Opera House
Lisa Jablow conducts a full orchestra and chorus, with local soloists in this annual tradition.
Rutland Area Chorus, 3:30 & 7:00 p.m. Grace Congregational United Church of Christ, Rutland
A full orchestra and chorus with soloists perform Handel's 'Messiah' in a concert that includes the world premiere of a festive overture by Alastair Stout, 'Messiah Born.'
Charlotte Congregational Church, 4:00 p.m. (Sing-along!)
Soloists join a chamber ensemble led by violinist Jane Kittredge; all are welcome to sing along to the choruses.
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Vermont Choral Union 4:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. College Street Congregational Church, Burlington
Eric Milnes conducts L'Harmonie des Saisons and the Vermont Choral Union with a line up of international soloists.
Woodstock's Annual Messiah Sing, 4:00 p.m. Our Lady of the Snows Church (Sing-along!)
Pentangle Arts present their long-standing Wassail tradition of the annual Messiah Sing, featuring a world-class ensemble and soloists.
December 17, 2023
Middlebury Community Chorus, 2:00 p.m. Middlebury Congregational Church. (Play/Sing-along!)
Jeff Rehbach conducts this annual Messiah Sing, a holiday tradition since 1984. Sing or play along, or simply watch and listen, as together we raise our voices, and also hear soloists from the local community and across the state.
Upper Valley Music Center Messiah Sing, 3:00 p.m. First Congregational Church of Lebanon, NH (Sing-along!)
UVMC Student soloists join conductor Mark Nelson and an orchestra of UVMC Faculty and community musicians for this annual tradition.
United Church of Christ in Keene's 32nd Annual Messiah Sing7 p.m. (Sing-along!)
Beverly Caldon conducts the Christmas section and "Hallelujah Chorus" with string quartet and organ accompaniment. $10 suggested donation. Celebration reception following. Choral scores available to borrow. Sanctuary is accessible for people with disabilities.
Did we miss yours? It wasn't intentional, send your concert announcement to hello@vermontpublic.org with 'Messiah Watch' in the subject header and full details, and we'll update this post!
