‘Messiah’ practice to begin in November

The biennial performance of Handel’s Messiah will be Sunday, December 14, at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Van Wert. This is a Christmas tradition that dates well into the 1900s.  Sponsored by The Van Wert County Foundation, in cooperation with First United Methodist Church, this is a Van Wert tradition that continues to pack the sanctuary each year it is performed.

A volunteer community chorus is being recruited, which will start rehearsals November 9 and continue Sunday afternoons from 3-5 p.m. right up to the December 14 performance.  In the past, we have had choruses of 75-80 singers, which is about the maximum number we can accommodate. The performance is with a professional chamber orchestra and soloists. The soloists are already committed and are looking forward to their performance in Van Wert. I will be excited to announce them as we draw closer to the performance date.

If you have ever considered singing in our Messiah chorus, I encourage you to join us this year.  We are filled with accomplished singers, as well as those who thought they could never do it, but have since proven they could. Many singers have their own copy of the music (Schirmer edition), but we also have copies available for those needing them.  So, please don’t let that be a deterrent.  We welcome you if you like to sing and can sing in tune and on pitch.  It’s truly amazing what one can accomplish when singing with friends.  And what better way to make friends then to sing with them!  As the old adage says, “Talk with me and I’m your friend; sing with me and I’m your brother (or sister).”

As director and organizer, I look forward to welcoming back many of our previous singers and hope they invite new singers to join us this year.  We will have just five rehearsals this year, but I am confident we can accomplish our musical goal in providing an inspiring chorus to, in the words of Handel, himself, “not only entertain them, but to make them better!”

Consider joining us this year.  I am confident that most anyone who has participated in the past would concur, it is a real uplifting and inspiring way to make your Christmas season extra special and meaningful.  There truly is no other feeling than the power and inspiration one feels when singing the “Amen” chorus as it rises to a tumultuous and powerful ending; and then topped only by the victorious “Hallelujah!” chorus.

Remember, the the first rehearsal is Sunday, November 9, from 3-5 p.m. in the First U.M. sanctuary. Tell a friend, bring a friend.

The beginning of the Niswonger Grand Series kicks off this Saturday with “Inspiration of Broadway” featuring Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, along with special guest star J. Mark McVey. McVey has starred in many Broadway productions as well as playing the role of Jean Valjean in London’s performance of Les Miserables.  His incredible voice, along with Signature Sound, will provide for the perfect opening to a blockbuster season at the Niswonger.

A few tickets remain if you would like to get a piece of the PAC action at the Niswonger.  We look forward to seeing you for this inspirational concert that will have you wanting to sing along all night long.  But I have the feeling once you hear these incredible voices, you’ll just want to listen.  It begins at 7:30 p.m., with lobby doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and performance hall doors opening at 7 that evening.

Just a note to let you know that the Olate Dogs performance on November 1 is nearly sold out. About 50 seats remain to see these loveable and talented dogs who won “America’s Got Talent” in 2012. Kids will love it and adults will be amazed!  Get your ticket now for this Saturday afternoon matinee.  Remember, this one starts at 3 p.m.

FINÉ.