The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock announces its popular annual Messiah Sing to take place on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 1:30 p.m. at the Congregation’s facility at 48 Shelter Rock Road in Manhasset.
Music Director Stephen Michael Smith will lead his 25th Messiah Sing with the UUCSR Choir and accompanied by The Orchestra at Shelter Rock.
A roster of internationally acclaimed soloists includes soprano Sarah Moulton Faux, mezzo-soprano Leah Wool, tenor Brian Jeffers and baritone Billy Huyler. Accompanying the arias and recitatives will be harpsichordist Nathaniel LaNasa and cello continuo Evelyn Wadkins. Christopher Creaghan, former Music Director of Riverside Church in New York City, will be at the Jaekel mechanical action pipe organ to accompany the gathering in singing the choruses.
First performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742 and received its London premiere nearly a year later, George Frederick Handel’s Messiah has become one of western music’s best-known and most frequently performed choral works.
The Hallelujah Chorus together with the opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony have been cited as the most recognizable themes of classical music across all cultures.
Shelter Rock’s performance will invite members of the audience to sing along with the chorus, and musical scores will be provided for those who wish to do so. Others are invited just to sit and listen to the amassed ensemble of more than 100 musicians.
The concert will take place at the Congregation’s facility, which is fully handicapped accessible, and onsite parking is ample and free.
A reception to greet the artists will be held in the Shelter Rock Art Gallery following the performance.
Free professional childcare will be available.
A suggested donation of $5 will be requested at the door, or advanced reservations can be made at uucsr.org/24Sing.
For more information, contact Phinu Jose at (516) 472-2975.
