It’s firmly established as a Christmas favorite these days, but George Frideric Handel’s Messiah, his best-known work, was written in 1741 as an Easter offering. Regardless of which holiday it celebrates or your own religious beliefs, anyone can appreciate the rousing “Hallelujah” chorus – it’s one of those ubiquitous tunes that everyone can hum, even if their only knowledge of classical music is from commercials and cartoons. Orlando’s Messiah Choral Society has brought this glorious piece of music to life every year since 1973, welcoming all singers to join the society and help present this annual gift to the community. Even better, it’s free and open to the public. (Bring nonperishable food items for donation to Second Harvest Food Bank – it’s the least you can do in return.) Doors open at 2:15 p.m. and the music starts at 3; we can’t think of a better way to kick off the holiday season.
3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29 | Bob Carr Theater, 401 W. Livingston St. | messiahchoralsociety.org | free
This article appears in Nov 25 – Dec 1, 2015.
