Springfield Community Chorus to Perform Handel's Messiah; Rehearsals Begin September 8

The 48th season of the Springfield Community Chorus, directed by Ken Olsson, will feature the Christmas portion from the best-known masterwork by G. F. Handel, "Messiah." Composed in 1741 and first performed in Dublin, Ireland in 1742, Handel's renowned choral work has since been performed countless times and thrilled audiences worldwide.

The concerts, which will be performed on the first weekend in December with approximately 90 minutes of stirring arias and choral movements. With a moving accompaniment, the performance is sure to awe and inspire both the audience and the performers.

The Springfield Community Chorus welcomes members of all abilities and vocal ranges from High School through adulthood. Rehearsals begin on Monday, September 8th at 7:00PM in the Unitarian-Universalist Meeting House at 21 Fairground Road in Springfield. The dues for membership in the chorus are $30 per person. Reading music is helpful, but not a requirement for membership in the chorus. If singers have their own copy of the music for "Messiah," please bring it to the rehearsal. Singers are needed!

Ken Olsson is in his fourth year as director of the chorus. He comes with extensive experience in directing, accompanying, and performing. A graduate of Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, Olsson regularly challenges the chorus to expand and develop their musical abilities while providing complete vocal instruction and choral direction. In recent seasons Olsson has lead the chorus in performances of Mozart's Requiem, a collection of holiday favorites, and most recently in a moving tribute to the spirituals.

Businesses who would like to place an ad in the program for the events are encouraged to contact Andie Bentley at (802) 298-0119 for more information. The ads are very economical and help provide resources for the chorus and cover expenses for the performances which are always provided free of charge in order to make beautiful music available to all members of the community. Ads are placed in both our December concert program as well as our May concert program reaching a large audience. For further information, please call Andie at (802) 298-0119 or email us at [email protected].