Old Stone Presbyterian Church has scheduled a community sing-along of Handel’s Messiah for Sunday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. It will be under the direction of Dr. Calvin McClinton, director of music at Old Stone Church.
So, if you have been missing hearing or singing this glorious music by George Frideric Handel, here is your chance. The music was first performed in 1743 in Dublin, Ireland, and later for King George I, who famously fell asleep until startled by the sound of the Hallelujah Chorus. He spontaneously rose to his feet, and when the King stands, everyone else had to stand also. This is how the tradition started of the audience standing at the beginning of the Hallelujah Chorus.
For this performance, Dr. McClinton is still seeking singers who have performed the Christmas version of The Messiah, either in amateur or professional setting, for a choir that will lead the community sing along. He is also looking for soloists for some of the music. Anyone interested is encouraged to come and rehearse with the choir, which meets on Monday nights from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Choir Room of the Education Building at Old Stone Church at 644 Church Street in Lewisburg.
The public is invited to come on Dec. 23 at 7 p.m to the sanctuary of Old Stone and sing the familiar portions of Handel’s Messiah along with the choir. If you have the music, please bring it; if not and you want to sing along, you will be given sheet music handouts. There is no charge for the performance.