With social media driving locals to shop closer to home, the Coast Messiah Choir invites you to consider supporting local talent this holiday season by taking in the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah – an ongoing tradition on the Coast since 2013.
On Tuesday, Dec. 18, the choir – comprised of local voices – is joined by string quartet, harpsichord, and trumpet to present an evening of Baroque delights to celebrate the season. The concert, held at High Beam Dreams in Gibsons, features Gibsons soprano Beth Buono, Langdale alto Varya Rubin, Vancouver tenor Carman Price, and local sweetheart bass-baritone Louis Dillon, who grew up in Halfmoon Bay and is now studying at the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
Performing with this elite rank of vocalists are talented local musicians Michelle Bruce, Sacha Stipec, Sarah Poon, and David Poon. The choir also welcomes Vancouver violist Gillian Hunter-Gibbs to the ensemble, and is thrilled that violinist Kathleen Hovey returns to the Coast for this very special concert.
On Saturday, Dec. 22, the Coast Messiah Choir combines forces with the Coast Messiah Orchestra to bring the second annual Sing-along Messiah to the Coast. The orchestra – a local group of advanced players – has been preparing the choruses from Part One of Messiah to enable and encourage audience members to sing along! This event, held at the shíshálh Nation Hall in Sechelt, features solos sung by local talent, a carol sing-along, and vocal warm-ups led by Messiah Choir director, David Poon. This fun, interactive event can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. Audience members are invited to bring their own scores, borrow a score, or follow along with the words printed in the programme. There are also a limited number of brand-new scores available for purchase at the door.
While both events specifically cover Part One of Messiah, you are promised a warm and joyful Hallelujah Chorus (from Part Two) to end the programme.
Tickets are available at Laedeli in Gibsons, the Sechelt Visitor Centre, or online at www.brownpapertickets.com
– Submitted by Sarah Poon
