Sing-Along Messiah

Columbia‘s annual Sing-Along Messiah will once again be celebrated in the beautiful, historic sanctuary of Washington Street United Methodist Church. Sing-Along Messiah was founded in 2002 by Arletta Raley on the principle that everyone in the metropolitan Columbia area, and anyone willing to travel to Columbia, should have an opportunity to sing some part of Handel‘s Messiah at least once a year. Sing-Along Messiah was established also on the heartfelt tenet of many people who have performed Messiah throughout their lives, that no Christmas season music is ever truly complete without it. Messiah, by G.F. Handel, is perhaps the best known and most popular sacred oratorio ever written. In its entirety, it is comprised of 53 individual selections presented as orchestral symphonies, choruses, recitatives, and arias, divided into 3 sections. Sing-Along Messiah includes all of Section 1 and “Hallelujah” from Section 2. The service lasts approximately an hour. Sing-Along Messiah features a 20-member orchestra and a core choir to lead the singing of the choruses. Singers in the core choir have historically represented many local choirs and groups, and we entreat new and repeat singers to join. The soloists this year are Maria Beery, Soprano; Sara Beth Shelton, Alto; Michael Gray, Tenor; and Eric Kessler, Bass. Returning to the podium for the twelth consecutive year is Dr. Lillian Quackenbush. True to its name, Sing-Along Messiah patrons are invited to join in the singing of choruses, with no rehearsal required, and without regard to how much or how well they sing. Everyone may stand, sit, sing, or listen in any combination that best fills the heart with the music of Messiah and the true meaning of Christmas. Sing-Along Messiah is an extraordinary night of worship, a gift to the community from Washington Street Church. To optimize seating, please arrive early. Nearby parking, with directional signage, is readily available. Scores are available for loan as you enter the Narthex. Admission is free but donations are requested. For additional information, about the event or choir participation, please visit our website, www.singalongmessiah.org, or email event director Angela Powers at angela@wsmethodist.org.