Christmas show already in planning stages

As the leaves fall, thoughts automatically turn to the winter -- and with that, the coming of the holidays.

Each Christmas, the annual Messiah Community Sing is a highlight of the holiday season. Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the concert brings together the community right before Christmas.

This year marks the 10th year for the event, and organizers are already starting to prepare.

"You don't think about Christmas already, but that's where we're at," said John Pontius, the concert conductor. "We're already starting to get ready for the performance."

This year's performance is scheduled for early December, but a call is being made now for performers.

The first rehearsal for the performance is scheduled for Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 901 Bogard Road.

Soloist auditions will follow at 7:30 p.m. Rehearsals will follow every Sunday at 6 p.m. through the show.

Pontius said one reason the show has been so successful every year is that it brings people together.

"Over the years, the Messiah Community Sing has become a highlight of the Christmas season, with chorus, orchestra and soloists from the community. For 10 seasons now, performers of many faiths have gathered to express their faith through this timeless music," Pontius wrote in an e-mail.

Everybody involved with the performance are amateurs, but the show is of professional quality, Pontius said.

"The quality of music is extraordinary. Last year's performance was attended by over 500 people, received high accolades and was touted by many to have been Alaska's premier performance of Handel's Messiah," Pontius wrote.

Pontius said the invitation is extended to all performers who would like to participate in this year's performance. Chorus members should have moderate choral experience, but do not need to audition. Private soloist auditions are also available upon request.

For more information about the rehearsal schedule or about the performance in general, interested people can contact Pontius at 376-0590.