Community effort propels Handel's Messiah

Eleven years ago, a group of community members got together and produced the first production of Handel's Messiah in the Valley. Now, more than a decade later, the event has blossomed into a Valley tradition.

Last year, about 800 people showed up for the musical performance, and this year, even more are expected. The curtain raises at 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wasilla, ushering in the holidays for many.

"It has evolved from a localized church effort to a full-blown community effort, that's not specific to any one group of people," director John Pontius said. "We've got a doctor playing violin and an auto mechanic singing bass. I like the fact that it puts so much community into the Christmas season."

The cast is comprised of a 25-member orchestra and 75 soloists and accompanying voices. Turning the story of Christ into a community music production is one of the things director John Pontius said draws him to the production every year.

"First, the music is very appropriate for the Christmas season. It is inspirational and timeless," Pontius said. "And secondly, it's not a real technical piece. Anyone with some musical acumen can pick it up to some degree.

"The genius in the music is that it can be presented by community groups. It is one of the best pieces ever written," Pontius said.

While many of the cast are professional musicians with busy holiday schedules, the overwhelming majority of the cast members are people who aren't professionals, but rather make Handel's Messiah their one and only foray into performing. This year, 60 percent of the cast is new to Handel's Messiah, Pontius said.

"We've had soloists and professionals who want to get involved with the project because we really have a good sound and because of the sweet spirit behind it," Pontius said.

Strong performances and the interpretation of the music are why the event has grown into becoming the musical event of the winter season in the past.

"The integrity of the music pretty much carries it, but there is so much emotion that goes with it," Pontius said. "It all delivers a powerful message."

Handel's Messiah traces the life of Christ, and is an appropriate selection for the Christmas season, Pontius said.

"It is very much Christian," Pontius said. "It is a powerful experience."

The performance begins at 7 p.m., and Pontius encouraged people to arrive at 6:30 p.m., when the doors open, to find their seat prior to the event.