For more than two decades, the "Messiah" Sing-Along has been held in Lancaster County. It has always been and remains a drop-in event. "The people can come as they are," said Clair Leaman, who had conducted a "Messiah" Sing-Along in Chester County for more than a decade before organizing the Lancaster version. "Just stop in. There are no rehearsals."
The 22nd annual "Messiah" Sing-Along will take place on Friday, April 26, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, at 7 p.m. No child care will be provided. Singers will begin arriving at 6:30 p.m.
According to Leaman, about 150 singers from Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties and even out of state typically take part. Leaman organizes them by voice part. Audiences of as many as 600 have attended past events.
The full "Messiah" by G.F. Handel is organized into three parts. The first part covers Christ's birth and fulfillment of prophecy, and the second part focuses on suffering and death, while the third part concludes with triumph over sin and death. The Christmas program, which includes part one, is performed in Chester County in December. At Easter, the program begins with the overture and then includes all of parts two and three. Perhaps the most well-known segment of "Messiah" is the "Hallelujah" chorus in part two, where the audience is encouraged to stand and sing with the vocalists.
Leaman noted that sign language interpretation of the presentation will be provided by Carol Stevens and Grace McConkie. "Originally, it was just Carol (interpreting)," recalled Leaman. "But then Grace became interested (in interpreting), and she studied with Carol." Leaman added that sometimes the women interpret simultaneously and at other times they take turns. Stevens serves as deaf ministry area coordinator for the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church. She has 50 years of experience interpreting American Sign Language (ASL). McConkie is presently working toward her ASL teaching certification while attending Goldey-Beacom College.
Westminster will be represented at this year's sing-along by soprano Carolyn McLain in addition to Floyd Rawleigh Jr., who will be the "Hallelujah" chorus guest conductor, and Westminister retired organist Pat Bleecker, who will play. Returning soloists will include contralto Heidi Kurtz, tenor Timothy Bench, and bass Mark Moliterno.
McLain has performed locally with Opera Lancaster and the Lemonade Concerts for Opera Lancaster. She has also taken part in the Dorothy Rose Smith Concert Series at Highland Presbyterian Church and the Crown Concert Series at Church of the Apostles. McLain has served as soprano soloist for "Messiah" at Calvary Church, for "The Holy City" with the Franconia-Lancaster Choral Singers, and for the Festival of Carols at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. She also directs the Westminster Strings. "This will be McLain's first time singing with us," noted Leaman.
Leaman encourages vocalists who wish to take part to practice using the "Learn and Practice Your Voice Part" link at http://www.messiahsingalong.com. Music to use at the event may be rented or purchased by singers. The event is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be received. Readers who would like to learn more may visit the previously mentioned website.
Leave a Review