Elgin Choral Union and ESO to perform “Messiah”

Think you've already seen enough performances of Handel's “Messiah?” Is your attitude toward the Hallelujah Chorus “been there, done that?”

Think again. This weekend, the Elgin Choral Union will be accompanied by Elgin Symphony Orchestra in a stirring performance of the “Messiah.”

This unique performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Elgin Community College.

“The last time we put on a performance of ‘Messiah' about five years ago, we unfortunately had turn people away,” said ECU conductor Andrew Lewis. “It was so popular, we decided to do it again.”

Previously the performance was sung in one piece. However, this year the audience could be listening to just the chorus and then just the orchestra, or both with only Bible verses.

“The piece is very recognizable, with songs like ‘Halelujah,' ” said Jennifer Bolino, executive director. “Which is why I think it's so popular.”

The chorus, comprising 110 volunteer singers, will only be performing with 80 singers due to how the “Messiah” was traditionally scored. The smaller amount of singers is because there will only be about 20 instruments — too many voices can overwhelm the music.

“I usually have people tell me how spectacular the orchestra and choir are and ... how high quality the music is,” Bolino said.

The performance will last approximately two-and-a-half hours. There will be four professional soloists from Chicago, Michigan and Elgin.

One freelance soloist, Megan Bell of Elgin, will be performing with the Elgin Choral Union for the first time. Bell moved to Elgin three years ago and has been wanting to sing with the Union ever since.

“When people would find out I am a professional singer, the first thing they would ask is if I sing with the Elgin Choral Union,” Bell said. “They are very well known and I am excited to be singing with them.”

Bell says the biggest challenge of the “Messiah” is for the soloists, choir, orchestra and conductor to piece everything as a whole. The singer will be performing three solos and one duet.

“This is very long piece of music work to prepare for,” said Lewis. “But it is really fun and engaging with the audience.”

Both Chorus and Orchestra have been practicing for about 10 weeks, meeting every Tuesday from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Since the last performance of “Messiah” sold out quickly, Lewis advises that attendees buy tickets early.

For details, visit www.elginchoralunion.com or call (847) 214-7225. Elgin Elgin Community College is at 1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin. Admission is $23 for adults, $18 for seniors and $15 for students.