Community invited to participate in concert

SEQUIM — Celebrate the Christmas season in Baroque fashion during an upcoming performance of George Frideric Handel’s “Singalong Messiah.”

Trinity United Methodist Church, 100 South Blake Ave., at 1 p.m. Dec. 31 will host the concert featuring conductor Jerry Wright.

Wright formerly was director of Seattle Girls’ Choir and Seattle Oratorio Society and Orchestra before retiring to Sequim, according to Joel Yelland, event media organizer.

The concert is free to attend, although donations will be accepted at the door.

“The ‘Singalong Messiah’ has been a holiday tradition in Sequim for years, attracting singers and instrumentalists from all over the North Peninsula to perform the well-known oratorio, as do thousands of other communities all over the world,” Yelland said.

“The emphasis of this year’s event will be on singing as many of the better-known choruses as can be fit into the two hour interval, and soloists, who have already been selected, will perform many of the important recitatives and arias.”

The performance is open to anyone who wants to sing along, Yelland said.

‘No requirements’

“There are no requirements for singing ability,” he said.

“If you want to sing, come.”

Instrumentalists also are invited to participate, although they are asked to RSVP with Yelland in advance at joelyelland@gmail.com.

“While we would love for as many to play as possible, we will have to limit the orchestra to the first six string players of each section and the first four of each non-string instrument,” Yelland said.

“The goal of this event is to allow as many musicians and music lovers as possible to participate in bringing some of the most beautiful music ever written back to our community, and to continue this annual tradition for as long as the passion for making music endures. We hope to see you there.”

Those who already have Messiah scores are encouraged to bring them as the supply of available scores is limited, Yelland said.

Those who do not wish to perform are welcome to just listen.

During intermission, a smorgasbord of finger foods will be available, with organizers asking attendees to bring along a favorite treat to share with both the musicians and audience members.

Instrumentalists will arrive at the church at 8:30 a.m., Dec. 31, to sign in and get their music. Rehearsal for the orchestra will be from 9 a.m. to noon, with voice soloists requested to arrive at 9:30 a.m. to rehearse with the orchestra. Chorus members should arrive at 12:30 p.m. to sign in, get scores and find their sections, which will be marked.

For more, visit www.sequimtumc.org or call 360-683-5367.

________

Features Editor Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or at cmcdaniel@ peninsuladailynews.com.

More in Entertainment

Tickets still available for Festival of Trees events

Tickets are still available for Festival of Trees events… Continue reading

Plays, music and puzzles top weekend events

Stage productions, music performances and a crossword puzzle contest highlight this weekend’s… Continue reading

Port Angeles Community Players to host auditions

Auditions for the Port Angeles Community Players’ production of… Continue reading

“Obstruction Point” by Anne Pfeiffer of Port Angeles is part of “Small Expressions,” the wide-ranging show which will open Friday at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery in Port Townsend.
‘Small Expressions’ opens Friday in Port Townsend

One of the most wide-ranging exhibitions in recent memory… Continue reading

Actors, from left, Justin Stapleton, Mario Arruda and Sean Stone rehearse “Artificial Emotions,” a short play written by John Painter and directed by Bill Stone, far right. It will be the first of eight plays in Olympic Theatre Arts’ New Works Showcase through Sunday. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Olympic Theatre Arts offers New Works Showcase

Olympic Theatre Arts will offer eight new mini shows this… Continue reading

Song swap set Friday at Studio Bob

The second Song Swap is set for 7 p.m.… Continue reading

Samite, pictured during his Field Arts & Events Hall performance last fall, is returning to Port Angeles for a matinee and evening performance this Saturday. (Field Arts & Events Hall)
Samite, ‘Resilience’ return to Port Angeles this weekend

One-man play includes soft voice, African instruments

Singer-songwriter Stephanie Anne Johnson.
Stephanie Anne Johnson to play at the Palindrome

Stephanie Anne Johnson will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.… Continue reading

Gingerbread kits available for library contest

Gingerbread kits are available for the 30th Uptown Gingerbread… Continue reading

“Sky Light” is among Jeanne Toal’s paintings at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery.
‘Soulful’ artist’s show in its final days in Port Townsend

Artist Jeanne Toal’s work has sparked an unprecedented response,… Continue reading

Clallam Mosaic accepting registrations for cruises

Clallam Mosaic is accepting registrations for the Seafair Special People’s Holiday Cruise… Continue reading

Music, art on tap for Peninsula weekend events

Music and stage performances, art exhibitions and holiday bazaars highlight weekend events… Continue reading