Every December for the last 42 years, hundreds of singers and musicians from the University of Virginia and all over the Charlottesville region have gathered to play and sing arias and choruses from Handel's Messiah. There are no rehearsals, and no one gets paid. The performers have come together for the simple, profound joy of performing this wonderful music. And to have a lot of fun.
Conductor Donald Loach originated the sing-in in 1968 and has led every event. It's one of the oldest --perhaps the very oldest -- Messiah sing-in in the world.
The final piece sung each year is, of course, the Hallelujah Chorus. Click on the arrow below to see and hear this year's performance. It will make you smile.
* * *
I wish everyone the happiest of holiday seasons.
Recent Comments