It's not Christmas without a performance of the "Messiah," and the public is invited to participate in singing Handel's classic oratorio Sunday, Dec. 9.
First Seventh-day Adventist Church will host its annual "Messiah" sing-along at 3 p.m. Sunday at the church, 7450 Standifer Gap Road. Dr. Lonnie McCalister, Lee University's former dean of the School of Music, will conduct the performance.
This all-denominational event is free and offered as a community service. It's a one-of-a-kind opportunity for audience participation in what is becoming a local musical holiday tradition - nearly 500 people attended last year. There is no charge to participate or to sit in the audience and enjoy the music, however a love offering will be collected.
Each year's event includes a chamber orchestra and professional soloists. This year's soloists are Cynthia Johnson, soprano; Julia Becker, mezzo-soprano; Andrea Dismukes, contralto; James Frost, tenor; and Tony Deaton, bass.
Singers are invited to bring their scores, sit by sections and sing the oratorio's choruses. A limited number of chorus books will be available for use in the event.
Refreshments will follow the program.
For more information: 423-605-2468.
To get there: At intersection of Gunbarrel and Shallowford Road, take Gunbarrel north to roundabout. Continue straight across on the roundabout, and Gunbarrel will become Standifer Gap Road. The church entrance is about a quarter-mile down Standifer Gap on the right. There is plenty of parking on-site.