Join in 12th annual Handel's 'Sing-Along Messiah' Dec. 17

Enter the Christmas season joyously by joining the 12th annual community sing-along tradition of Handel's "Messiah" sponsored by the Fox Valley Orchestra and Chorus.

This quintessential performance will be presented at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Marmion Abbey Church, 850 Butterfield Road in Aurora.

The local community and the entire area are invited to participate in singing the choral sections of this famous work that focuses on the Christmas story. All are welcome whether you wish to sing or to listen.

This year's "Messiah" will feature a full Baroque orchestra as well as a complement of Fox Valley Orchestra Chorus members mingling with the audience.

For those who need one, music scores will also be available for purchase in the lobby before the performance.

Four guest artists will be featured on the solo portions: soprano Angela Presutti, alto Avery Felton, tenor Cornelius Johnson III, and bass Michael Cavalieri.

The chorus, orchestra and soloists, as well as the audience, will be under the direction of chorus master Lisa Fredenburgh.

Come and enjoy the beauty of a multitude of voices and the great melodic sounds in this beautiful setting.

The acoustics of the Marmion Abbey Church make it a wonderful venue for the performance of a composition of such magnitude, including Handel's most famous work, The Hallelujah Chorus.

Now celebrating its 12th anniversary, this "Messiah" performance has become a highly regarded and enjoyed community tradition.

Tickets are $12 when purchased online or $15 at the door. All proceeds benefit the many orchestra and chorus programs for the community.

The Fox Valley Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

More information can be found at www.foxvalleyorchestra.org/messiah.php.