From staff reports
LEWISTOWN - St. John's Lutheran Church will host the third annual performance of "Messiah" at 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at the church. The chorus is comprised of community members, many of whom participated in previous years. Professional soloists include Lisa Rogali, Graham Sanders and John Carpenter, of State College, and Katie Becker, of Lewistown.
The performance is free, but a freewill offering will be collected to help cover costs of performances through St. John's Musical Outreach Program.
Article Photos
Sentinel photo by BRADLEY KREITZER
Members of St. John’s Luthern Church, from left, front, Aleta Harpster, Paula Smith, Dawn Limes, Katie LaMarca and Suzanne LaMarca; second row, Pauli Belfiore, Chris Ferencz, Michael Murray, Allen Mengel, Betty Haywood and Gayle Case; third row, Pat McKnight, Matt Loewen, David Knox and Josie Baughman; fourth row, Lynn Phillips, Barbara Nielsen and Nancy Machmer rehearse for their annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah” set for 3 p.m. Dec. 2.
George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" was composed in 1741 and is one of the most popular works in choral literature. The oratorio was written in three sections: The Prophesy of the Coming of Christ; Christ's Passion and Resurrection; and the Promise of Eternal Life.
The first and second sections are most often performed. The "Hallelujah Chorus" concludes the second section of the work, but is most often heard as the finale of the first section. It is believed to be one of the most divinely inspired pieces ever written. Today, it is a tradition to stand for the "Hallelujah Chorus."
