Philharmonic Orchestra to host annual Sing-Along Messiah
On Sunday, Dec. 4, join Fox Valley Academy of Music Performance's annual "Sing Along Messiah" at 3 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 420 W. Downer Place, Aurora. Bring your voice and a smile in celebrating the season with Our Savior Lutheran Church choir, guest choristers and local soloists.
The Fox Valley Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonic Choir, under the direction of James Yarbrough and John Douglas, will be joined by guest soloists in the performance of the "Christmas Section" and the famous "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah."
The performance will include audience sing-along participation, joining the orchestra and choir in the oratorio's chorus movements, as well as in other holiday music also scheduled for the concert. But this joyous seasonal event is not only for the "Do-It-Yourself" audience, and those simply wishing to get into the Christmas spirit are more than welcome to come and enjoy listening to the glorious sounds of Christmas music.
Admission to the concert is free. However, in the original tradition established by Handel's 1742 premier performance for the Irish "debtor's prison," free-will donations are welcome at the concert, with proceeds benefiting LifeSpring Ministries of Aurora.
Audience attendees who choose to sing along can either bring, borrow, or buy the Messiah choral part at the door for $10 per book or refundable deposit. After the concert, there will be a reception with light refreshments. Parking is located behind the church on Garfield Avenue.
The Philharmonic Orchestra is an affiliate of the Fox Valley Academy of Music Performance. The academy's youth orchestras also will perform a Holiday Concert, with Christmas favorites and other classical works, at 12:30 p.m. at Our Savior.
Both concerts are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For details, visit www.fvacademy.org, or call (630) 476-9072.