‘Messiah’ sing-along Sunday

It’s not Christmas without a performance of the “Messiah,” and the public is invited to participate in singing Handel’s classic oratorio Sunday, Dec. 9.

First Seventh-day Adventist Church will host its annual “Messiah” sing-along at 3 p.m. Sunday at the church, 7450 Standi- fer Gap Road. Dr. Lonnie McCalister, Lee University’s former dean of the School of Music, will conduct the performance.

This all-denominational event is free and offered as a community service. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity for audience participation in what is becoming a local musical holiday tradition — nearly 500 people attended last year. There is no charge to participate or to sit in the audience and enjoy the music, however a love offering will be collected.

Each year ’ s event includes a chamber orchestra and professional soloists. This year’s soloists are Cynthia Johnson, soprano; Julia Becker, mezzo- soprano; Andrea Dismukes, contralto; James Frost, tenor; and Tony Deaton, bass.

Singers are invited to bring their scores, sit by sections and sing the oratorio’s choruses. A limited number of chorus books will be available for use in the event.

Refreshments will follow the program.

For more information: 423-605-2468.

To get there: At intersection of Gunbarrel and Shallowford Road, take Gunbarrel north to roundabout. Continue straight across on the roundabout, and Gunbarrel will become Standifer Gap Road. The church entrance is about a quarter- mile down Standifer Gap on the right. There is plenty of parking on-site.

FIRST SDA CHURCH CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Singers from around the region fill First Seventh-day Adventist Church to participate in a previous “Messiah” sing-along.