Rehearsals Underway for 24th Performance of Handel’s “Messiah”
By David Williams
The Kinston/Lenoir Community Chorus, under the direction of Jonathan Saeger, is preparing for its 24th annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. The concert will take place on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
The tradition began in 1998 when Dr. Carolyn Crossland, then-chairperson of music at Lenoir Community College (LCC), envisioned and organized the first local production of Messiah. For years, she led the effort until her retirement. Budget cuts and her departure from LCC left the production in limbo, but First Presbyterian Church stepped in to take over management and hosting duties, ensuring its continuation.
Handel’s Messiah, composed in 1741, is a celebrated oratorio — essentially a sacred opera without staging. Staging was omitted due to restrictions by the church at the time, but these works were often performed by opera singers in theaters. Widely regarded as the best-known piece of classical music in the world, Messiah is also among the most performed and most beloved. Written in English, its text is derived from the Bible. A portion of its text is famously recited by Linus in A Charlie Brown Christmas when he explains the true meaning of Christmas.
The singers in the Messiah Chorus are primarily members of local church choirs, representing individuals who dedicate their time, talent, and resources to supporting the arts. Many teach arts classes to children in the community. This performance offers them a chance to sing one of the greatest choral works in history alongside a professional orchestra and operatic soloists.
The North Carolina Baroque Orchestra will accompany the chorus. This professional ensemble specializes in music from the 17th and 18th centuries, performing on period instruments to bring an authentic sound to the production.
The performance will be held at First Presbyterian Church, located at 2101 N. Herritage St. in Kinston. Admission is free, with donations gladly accepted. Organizers hope the performance will be spiritually enriching and accessible to all, regardless of economic status.
“You don’t want to miss this performance,” organizers said. “It is impossible not to love it and be profoundly moved by it.”
For more information, email Messiah@fpckinston.org or visit the “Kinston/Lenoir County Messiah” page on Facebook.
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