The season for George Frideric Handel's Messiah is upon us! Although it was actually first performed around Easter, in our time it has become a December holiday tradition.
This year, VPR is again rounding up performances and sing-alongs of Handel's beloved oratio in our area.
Find the list below, organized by date — and we'll be updating it as we learn of more events.
Know of an upcoming performance or sing-along that we may have missed? Let us know!
Friday, Dec. 6
Vermont Philharmonic and Chorus
7:30 p.m., the Vermont Philharmonic and Chorus, led by Assistant Conductor Lisa Jablow, will perform Part I (Christmas), and other parts including the “Hallelujah Chorus,” of Handel’s “Messiah” at St Augustine’s Catholic Church, 16 Barre St. in Montpelier.
Friday, Dec. 6 - Saturday, Dec. 7 - Sunday, Dec. 8
The North Country Chorus and nine soloists sing the "Messiah" in their 72nd annual Christmas concert. The 80 voices of the Chrous, with a ten-piece chamber ensemble, are under the direction of Alan Rowe.
Friday, December 6, 7pm - South Church Hall on the campus of St. Johnsbury Academy
Saturday, December 7, 4pm - Haverhill Congregational Church
Sunday, December 8, 3pm - Peacham Congregational Church
Sunday, Dec. 8
Vermont Philharmonic and Chorus
2 p.m., at the Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St. in Barre, the Vermont Philharmonic and Chorus, led by Assistant Conductor Lisa Jablow, will perform Part I (Christmas), and other parts including the “Hallelujah Chorus,” of Handel’s “Messiah."
Sunday, Dec. 8
The Rutland Area Chorus, Orchestra and Soloists will perform Handel's Messiah; Sunday at 3:30pm and 7pm, at Grace Church in Rutland.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Pentangle Arts Annual Community Messiah Sing at 4 p.m. at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, Woodstock, VT
Monday, Dec. 16
28th Annual Messiah Sing-along in Stowe, 7pm at the Stowe Community Church. Featuring full orchestra, chorus and soloists conducted by Daniel Bruce. Join in the choruses from the Christmas section of the oratorio. Bring your own score, or find one available for the evening at the door. $8 per person.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
7:30 p.m., Burlington Choral Society, College Street Congregational Church, Burlington, VT
Saturday, Dec. 21
3:30 p.m., Upper Valley Music Center, Messiah Sing with Orchestra. Join friends and neighbors for this seasonal favorite and bring one of the great choral-orchestral masterworks to life. Music by George Frideric Handel under the direction of Jane Woods.
Sunday, Dec. 22
The Middlebury Annual Messiah Sing - 2pm at the Middlebury Congregational Church, Middlebury VT. Hosted by the Middlebury Community Chorus, conducted by Jeff Rehbach.
