Sing-Along with Handel’s Messiah in Hudson on Dec. 20

  |  December 16, 2014
handels messiah

The first time I performed G.F. Handel’s oratorio and holiday mainstay Messiah was when I was a teenager growing up in Alaska. It was in the middle of July. At that point, I had been building my musical chops by singing with choral groups like the Anchorage Community Chorus, the Alaska Chamber Singers, and 6 person early music ensemble called AVE comprised of some seriously well-polished and experienced local classical musicians and little ol’ me, barely old enough to operate a motor vehicle. Being a part of the Messiah chorus for a singer in the midst of a classical education is somewhat akin to learning Stairway to Heaven for a guitar player: It’s just something you have to do eventually. So during the summer of 1994 (the summer after high school graduation), a bunch of the local musical groups combined for a festival that featured the Messiah complete with soloists and a huge chorus and orchestra. Little did I realize at the time that I was creating a life-long love affair with the oratorio, and I would go on to sing in its chorus several more times throughout college and beyond. Here are a few of things I’ve learned about the Messiah over the years: 1) There’s a lot more to it than the Hallelujah chorus. A LOT more. 2) The chorus parts are insanely difficult, but once you get them into your brain, they never really go away. 3) No other choral piece can bring me to tears faster…except maybe Mozart’s Requiem.

It’s been a long time since I’ve performed the Messiah, but I still remember the parts…mostly, especially if I’ve got the sheet music in hand. When I moved to New York, I started hearing about the Messiah Sing-Along held every year at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, and I’ve longed to join in the fun. But even more than that, I longed for a Messiah Sing Along somewhere upstate. Looks like I’m finally getting my wish this year since there’s a Messiah Sing Along scheduled for Saturday, December 20th at the First Presbyterian Church, 369 Warren Street, Hudson. Now, this isn’t the first year this event has been held. It’s just the first time I’m hearing about it. Imagine my excitement when I discovered that less than a half-hour from my house was a place I could go to become a part of the magic that is the Messiah chorus once again.

And then imagine my disappointment when I discovered that the Hudson Messiah Sing Along is on the same day as my daughter’s performance in the Tribute to Pink Floyd with the Paul Green Rock Academy at Utopia Soundstage in Woodstock (December 19 and 20, showtime 7pm, tickets are $12 at the door, and pardon my shameless plug). But when I realize that my daughter is doing exactly what I did when I was her age, immersing herself in the music she loves and learning to perform it to the best of her abilities in front of an audience, I don’t feel so disappointed anymore. I feel proud and excited. Like mother, like daughter, I suppose.

Interested in getting your Messiah on this weekend? Then come to First Presbyterian in Hudson at 4pm on Saturday. Suggested donation to participate is $15, but students under 18 get in free. If you go, sing twice as loud for me, would you?

First Presbyterian Church

369 Warren Street, Hudson

www.hudsonoperahouse.org

Pre-sale tickets here.

About Kandy Harris

Kandy is a writer and musician/music teacher living in Saugerties, NY.

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