9th Annual Messiah Sing-Along

MOS continues its holiday tradition with our ninth Messiah Sing-Along. Come with your own score (or purchase one from us that day) and perform both the choruses AND solos—a feature unique to the MOS Sing-Along—of one of the greatest choral masterpieces ever created. Composed by George Frideric Handel in a mere 24 days, Messiah is an example of inspired genius. The Christmas portion of this masterpiece, culminating with the exciting Hallelujah chorus, will complete your musical preparation for this most joyful of seasons.

Michael’s Pre-concert Remarks

“Welcome to The Michael O’Neal Singers 7th Annual Messiah Sing-Along. I know many of you return each year, but I am always interested in seeing how many folks are here for the first time. Please raise your hands if this is your first MOS Messiah Sing-Along.
We’re so glad you are here, along with all of you who are returning for this remarkable experience.

“Messiah was written by George Friderick Handel in just 24 days and it is truly a masterpiece. In the 270 years since it was written it has been performed thousands upon thousands of times, at both joyous and somber occasions. We join together today as a community of singers performing both choruses and solos in this monumental creation. I can think of no more appropriate piece of music to sing today, especially as we share a collective grief this weekend over the horrific event which took place in Connecticut on Friday.

“Words are inadequate at a time like this, but music can be supportive and healing in profound ways we can not fully understand. It was Leonard Bernstein, Conductor of the New York Philharmonic, who said just days after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy: “This will be our response to violence – to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly, than ever before.”

“I invite us all to join now in a moment of silent reflection for all the people personally affected by this tragedy, even as we prepare to perform this music which celebrates the “Prince of Peace.” The first words we will sing, offered by our tenor section, will be words of comfort, and the final words sung by all of us will be words of joy and affirmation. May our hearts, as well as our voices, be led to indeed proclaim “Hallelujah” during this holy season.”

~ Michael O’Neal