HCA choir’s ‘Messiah’ coming to Berlin Mennonite
The Holmes Center for the Arts choir, shown here last winter performing at Sheiyah Market, is partnering with the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra to present the Christmas portions of Handel's “Messiah” on Dec. 7 at the Berlin Mennonite Church.
Holmes Center for the Arts is partnering with the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra to present the Christmas portions of Handel’s “Messiah” on Dec. 7 at the Berlin Mennonite Church.
“We performed the full-length version of ‘Messiah’ in 2018 and were ready to perform it again in the spring of 2020 before everything shut down,” said Holley Johnson, executive director of Holmes Center for the Arts. “This is our first effort to do it again since then. We will be performing the Christmas portion of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ this time with some favorites such as the Hallelujah Chorus.”
The idea for the performance originated with Choral Director Tim Frye. The all-volunteer arts center choir began rehearsals in September. There were no auditions — anyone interested was welcomed into the group. The choir is comprised of teens and adults from Holmes and Tuscarawas counties. Many have performed the material before, and some will sing “Messiah” for the first time.
The 18 Tuscarawas Philharmonic members are professionals who have performed “Messiah” numerous times. They will provide the musical accompaniment. There will be four professional singers who will sing the solos.
Selections from Handel’s “Messiah” will be performed Dec. 7 at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Berlin Mennonite Church, 4718 U.S. 62, Berlin. Tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for students age 18 and under. Anyone who would like to attend and can’t afford a ticket is invited to contact the center for volunteer or scholarship opportunities.
Concerts often sell out, so it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance at the center or online at search.seatyourself.biz/webstore/accounts/holmescenterforthearts/buy-tix. Any remaining seats will be available at the door beginning 30 minutes prior to show time. Seats are pews, general admission.
The concert will last approximately one hour with no intermission. The performance is sponsored by Berlin Gardens. The Holmes Center for the Arts’ performance season is sponsored in part by the Ohio Arts Council.
Volunteers are needed for “Messiah” to help with putting up and taking down risers for the choir the week before and right after the show. The HCA has a variety of volunteer opportunities. These include handyman work around the building, cleaning, shoveling snow, manning the desk and phones, taking tickets, ushering shows, helping backstage, building sets, and altering costumes. Call 330-473-2879 or email info@holmescenterforthearts.org for more information.
The Holmes Center for the Arts has a busy lineup of performances and events coming in the next few months. These include “The Nutcracker” at Ohio Star Theater Dec. 13-15 and the grand opening of The Center Stage, a multipurpose performance space, on Jan. 10. Other events upcoming include “Matilda Jr.” (the musical) Feb. 21-23, “Artists and Athletes” on March 1, “Giselle” (a classical ballet) April 12-13 and “Newsies” (the musical) June 26-29.
Donations are always welcome.
“We do have a few capital needs left including funds to pave the parking lot and for an LED video wall for our new theater,” Johnson said. “We also have some sponsorship opportunities for our major performances in 2025.”
Donate online at www.holmescenterforthearts.org/donate; send a check to Holmes Center for the Arts, 5200 state Route 39, Millersburg, OH 44654; or email holley@holmescenterforthearts.org.
Subscribe to Holmes Center for the Arts on its website for updates on all happenings at www.holmescenterforthearts.org.
“Everyone should come to a live performance of ‘Messiah’ at least once in their lives,” Johnson said. “In addition to it being a masterpiece of music, attending live performances is a much more engaging and gratifying experience than listening in on your electronic device.
“Plus, attending live music performances supports the artists and arts organizations. It’s the equivalent of supporting local businesses with your purchase.”