The Second Annual Messiah Sing was held on Friday, December 21, 2007, after being postponed by a snowtorm. Once again conducted by G.F. Handel (aka Alan Yost), the soloists were Jodi Hitzhusen, soprano, Marian Rambelle, alto, Ray Bauwens, tenor, and Bryan McNeil, bass. Members of the Concord Orchestra, Concord Band and other area musicians played in the orchestra. King George II and his daughter attended, as well as J.S. Bach. The soloists, conductor and historic guests were costumed by Kathy Booth of the Concord Players.

Photos courtesy of David Atwood

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Concord Culturl Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The first FOPAC Messiah Sing in December of 2006 inspired Tim Warren to write the following letter to the Editor of the Concord Journal, which was published on December 28, 2006:

Sunday afternoon I arrived at 51 Walden with score in hand for FOPAC’s Messiah sing. I have been to sings of Messiah often in the past in Lexington and Acton, but never before here in Concord. I sensed as I took a seat in the bass section that this was not going to be just your average Messiah. As we quieted down the orchestra assembled -  its components being members of the Concord Orchestra and brass from the Concord Band. The incomparable Siri Smedvig as concertmaster tuned the ensemble and we awaited  Alan Yost, the conductor, to appear.

And, lo, he did appear but as  Handel himself bewigged like a barrister and in full costume. And then there appeared from the wings George II himself (in the person of Charlie Streff) walking regally to the elevated Royal Box in the rear of the auditorium and making appropriate remarks. You would have sworn you were in Dublin at the premiere.

The scene for the Messiah was set now by a performance appropriately of Handel’s Royal Fireworks Overture with full orchestra and band. After a resounding applause there appeared from the wings Johan Sebastian Bach in full dress under which one could detect the person of our own Tom Ruggles bantering with a perfect German accent. He was there of course to give rise to the next orchestral offering of the 4th Brandenburg Concerto (and you thought you were just going to get the Messiah?) The opening exchange between Siri Smedvig and the two marvelous flutists was enchanting and so it continued through the whole piece. Janet Kinmouth and Susan Jackson , the two flutists were flawless and we were so lucky to hear such professionals.
         

Well, now you’re anxious to hear what happened next.  The soloists appeared also bewigged and gorgeously costumed thanks to the genius of Kathy Booth, the designer. This splendid company consisted of Jodi Hitzhusen, soprano; Miranda Loud, alto; Matthew DiBattista, tenor; and Fred Jodry, bass.  At this point Maestro Handel told us that in the matter of standing or sitting for the Hallelujah Chorus we were to take our cue by observing His Majesty in the Royal Box. And away we went with the grace and confidence of the soloists putting me and perhaps a few other choristers to shame.

Photo courtesy of Mark Wayland

Since this was the only performance I can’t say hurry down to 51 Walden for the next showing. But I can hope fervently that they will all be back next year.  It was a royal treat.