Fox Valley Do-It-Yourself ‘Messiah’ Dec. 9

Submitted by Fox Valley Philharmonic

At 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, the Fox Valley Philharmonic Orchestra, Academy Orchestra, directors, guest soloists, and the Philharmonic Choir will join forces with the audience who wish to singalong for a Do-It-Yourself “Messiah” and other holiday music. Directing will be Maryann Flock and Young Hee Chung.

While this is an opportunity for audience participation in singing the favorite Handel choruses, those not wishing to sing are most welcome to come listen to the glorious sounds of Christmas.

Sunday’s free concert performance will include the “Christmas Section” of “Messiah” (the arias and choruses from Part I) along with the famous “Hallelujah Chorus” from Part II. The philharmonic orchestra, choir and soloists will add support to the “Do-It-Yourself” audience which assembles for the second annual performance.

Admission to the concert is free, but in the spirit of the tradition established by Handel’s 1742 premier performance for the benefit of those in Irish debtor’s prisons, this is a benefit concert for the area’s Lifespring Ministries and donations are being solicited. Those planning to sing can bring their own music book, or borrow or buy a copy of Messiah at the door ($10 per purchased copy or refundable deposit per borrowed copy required).

The concert will be at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 420 W. Downer Place, Aurora. The church also has a Nativity Scene Walk open all day in the chapel. The audience may visit the chapel to view Nativity scenes from various cultures. After the concert, there will be a reception with refreshments.

The Fox Valley Philharmonic is an affiliate of the Fox Valley Academy of Music Performance. The academy’s Youth Strings and Academy Orchestra will be performing Christmas favorites and other classical works at a 1 p.m. concert.

These concerts are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

For information, visit the Fox Valley Academy of Music Performance website at www.fvacademy.org, or call (630) 476-9072.