59th Annual Messiah At The First Congregational Church Of Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — Each year in December, the First Congregational Church in Old Greenwich creates a true community musical event for local singers and music lovers with the First Church Festival Chorus presenting the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah.

This year’s performance will be held at the church meeting house on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the church’s YouTube channel.

The fun will begin for the singers on Monday evening, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m., with a no-audition rehearsal; an additional dress rehearsal with the orchestra is scheduled for Wednesday evening, Dec. 11, also at 7:30 p.m.

"For many in the Greenwich community, it’s not Christmas until they experience our Messiah concert," said Dr. Craig Scott Symons in a news release. Symons has been the minister of music at First Church since 2010.

"We welcome anyone who has some choral experience to join the Festival Chorus and experience the joy of performing this beloved work with the First Church Chamber Orchestra," he added.

While community participation is central to the event, the performance will feature an illustrious set of professional soloists, including Ellen Sisson, soprano; Eliana Barwinski, mezzo soprano; Luke Rosenberg, tenor; and Thomas Woodman, bass.

Singers interested in joining the Festival Chorus should come to the Monday rehearsal or contact Craig Symons at craigs@fccog.org.

The performance is open to the public and a free will offering will be received, with a suggested $20 donation.