Inviting community musicians to participate in 26th annual community Messiah performance

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God

—Isaiah 40:1.

Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world

—John 1:29.

If you are like me, you cannot read certain passages of scripture referring to the life and mission of Jesus Christ without hearing the music of Handel’s “Messiah.” As a child, I remember accompanying my parents to a “Messiah” sing-in. I was young enough that I spent a majority of the concert lying on a pile of winter coats on the floor at their feet. At home we listened to a cassette tape of “Messiah” that was distorted by frequent listening. I was certain the lyrics from “All we, like sheep, have gone astray” were, “Oh we like cheese!”

The Mat-Su Community Messiah will perform George Frideric Handel’s glorious oratorio this December in the Glenn Massay Theatre. Since 1990, musicians from throughout the Mat-Su valley have joined together to perform the “Messiah” in celebration of the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Everyone is invited to join this community production of “Messiah” hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Concert organizers hope to broaden both participation in and enjoyment of the performance beyond the scope of previous years.

Rehearsals will begin in October for both the chorus and the orchestra at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wasilla at 901 Bogard Rd. If you would like to audition for a vocal solo, prepare a sample piece from the “Messiah” and come to the solo auditions on Sunday, Oct. 1 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 8 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Orchestra rehearsals will be held each Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon beginning Oct. 14. Choir rehearsals will be each Sunday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. beginning October 8. The Mat-Su Community Messiah performance will be Sunday Dec. 3 at 7pm and excerpted selections will be performed Sunday Dec. 10 as part of the Colony Christmas Nativity display in Palmer. For more information about the “Messiah” rehearsals or performances, find us on Facebook or contact Wendy Bowen, production coordinator, at wendy.bowen34@yahoo.com.

Terri Pontius is the conductor for this year’s production. She lived in Alaska from 2000-2010 and currently resides in Utah. Of her musical experience in Alaska she wrote, “I was heavily involved in musical, theatrical, choral and orchestral events throughout the Valley, in teaching, directing, and coordinating art in many venues. My late husband John and I particularly enjoyed our very special Mat-Su Community Messiah productions.”

“I look forward to a fresh new feel and texture in this upcoming Messiah performance. Particularly as we did not perform last year, I will encourage us to awaken a distinction and articulation that will breathe new life into the glorious notes and message, recharging our testimonies of the Savior, and those of our audiences. This is our vision for this endeavor, and I warmly invite you to consider being a very important part of it.”

My early and repeated exposure to “Messiah” made it easier to learn the music when I joined the Mat-Su Community Messiah chorus in 2014. Handel’s complex runs and intricate harmonies resonated with my memories. I enjoy singing the music because it reminds me of the message: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace —Isaiah 9:6.

In our lives we face adversity of varying degrees. Amid trials, natural disasters and personal tragedy, you too can join with members of this community in singing I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth —Job 19:25, O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? —1 Corinthians 15:55.

Amity Condie has lived in Palmer 13 years and volunteers for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.