Handel’s “Messiah” Open Sing Along, 29th Year in Sebastopol

An open participatory event, for singers and listeners of all abilities: Handel’s oratorio “Messiah,” chronicling in vocal and instrumental music the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ, known for its rousing “Hallelujah” chorus. Composed and first performed in 1741, this presentation in Sebastopol is the 29th year under conductor John Maas; with string quartet and trumpet, and lead singers Christa Durand, Elizabeth Henry, and Benjamin Mertz. Concert on Saturday, Decemer 9 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. Sheet music available for those who do not have their own; parking on site. Open rehearsal Monday December 4 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the north side dining room of Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High Street.

Conductor John Maas has a particular focus on involving communities in singing, and written more than 50 choral works performed throughout California, the United States and Canada, including by Occidental Community Choir, UC Berkeley Repertory Choir, Pacific Edge Voices/Pacific Mozart Ensemble, Redwood Chorale, Sonoma County Chamber Singers, and Santa Rosa Junior College Choir.