The Durham Community Choir, which is offered as a course through the Durham College School of Continuing Education, performs Handel's Messiah on November 25 in Oshawa.
The Durham Community Choir, a non-auditioned choir, will entertain guests as it performs G.F. Handel's Messiah in concert on Sunday, November 25. The choir will be joined by Melanie Conly, soprano; Vicki St. Pierre, mezzo-soprano; James McLennan, tenor; Alexander Dobson, bass; the Talisker Players; and will feature an orchestra.
Offered as a course through the School of Continuing Education at Durham College, the choir was formed 13 years ago after college staff and community members came together to provide an ongoing opportunity for those with a love of singing to practise, improve and perform for an audience.
"Handel's Messiah is a Christmas tradition that the choir has performed annually since the choir was founded," said J.C. Coolen, choir director. "It was written around 1750 and has become a Christmas tradition that many people attend."
Made up of about 80 people, the choir rehearses weekly and many of its members practise on their own time as well. The choir performs annually in the spring as well.
Messiah begins at 3 p.m. on November 25 at College Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church, located at 1164 King Street East, Oshawa. Tickets are $20 for adults and $14 for children 12 and under. For information or tickets, please contact 905.683.3197. Tickets are also available at Wilson and Lee Music Store in Oshawa, Walters Music at the Oshawa Centre, Lafontaine Trading Post in Whitby and the Durham School of Music in Ajax.