For a 15th consecutive year, “Columbus Sings ‘Messiah'” will bring George Frideric Handel’s masterwork to the Golden Triangle. A choir numbering 100 or more will present the iconic music of Christmastime in two seatings Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The setting once again is Annunciation Catholic Church at 823 College St. Performances are free, but tickets to ensure seating may be picked up at the Tennessee Williams Home Welcome Center, the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau office or Party & Paper in downtown Columbus.
The Christmas portions of Handel’s 1741 “Messiah” are performed worldwide every December. Opportunities to hear it, however, are more often found in larger cities. Making it accessible to local audiences was important to James Allen and his daughter, Elizabeth Swartz, 15 years ago. “Messiah” had until then been presented by First Baptist Church. When the church decided to develop other Christmas ministries for the community, Allen championed the concept of inviting singers area wide to come together annually to perform.
“It was too important not to continue,” said Allen. The First United Methodist Church organist and retired Mississippi University for Women music faculty member provides organ accompaniment for the production.
“We wanted to make this a true community ‘Messiah,'” Allen said. The idea was met with enthusiasm by what was then the Chamber of Commerce and generous benefactors. The first year’s presentation attracted 125 singers.
“And we have not fallen below 100 to 125 each year since, said the co-organizer.
First Methodist Music Director Dr. Doug Browning directs the performance and single rehearsal, with vocalists who come from throughout the Golden Triangle’s three counties, as well as towns including Macon, Shuqualak and Troy, Alabama, and guest soloists from other areas. String musicians are from Memphis, Tennessee, and Starkville. Sue Burkhalter of Columbus is on harpsichord.
Joyful noise
Bruce Hanson of Columbus first sang Handel’s iconic compositions when he was 15 years old, as a Glee Club member. He didn’t realize it was the start of a lifelong tradition. Hanson performed it with First Baptist Church for many years and has sung in every “Columbus Sings ‘Messiah,'” as has his wife, Linda. Once, as a special Christmas gift, she gave her husband his own personal “Messiah” score.
“It’s one of my favorite things to do,” Hanson said. “It’s like it’s not Christmas if I don’t get to sing in ‘Messiah.'” He encourages families to bring their children, to expose them to inspiring classical music they can return to time and again.
This will be Joy Morgan’s third time to take part. The Delta native is administrative assistant for Program Ministries at First Methodist. While living in the Gulf Coast and New Orleans area, she performed in “Messiah” several times.
“I was really impressed to find out a town this size did this every year, which is unusual,” Morgan said. “Even in Jackson and New Orleans, it was about every three years, so to find someone willing to put it on every year is awesome.”
Allen praised Annunciation Catholic Church for opening its doors and hearts to the annual presentation. The domed sanctuary is considered one of the most visually and acoustically rich venues in Columbus.
“So many people have been instrumental in helping us every year; we couldn’t possibly have done it without them,” he said.
For more information about the 2015 presentation, contact the office of First Methodist at 662-328-5252.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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