"They get started before I get to go in, and it sounds so good," Merleen Troutman commented as she prepared to check in singers who were arriving at Memorial United Methodist Church (UMC) for a rehearsal of the Christmas portion of Handel's "Messiah." "I'm very excited (about the production). To me, it's grand and big for the community. People traveling to come sing for us - I'm just really amazed at it," she said.
Led by Tom Berdos and accompanied on organ by his wife, Deborah Berdos, the rehearsals on Wednesday nights have been a positive experience for everyone involved. Approximately 90 people from Lancaster and York counties have registered to sing in the production, which will take place on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. at the church, 101 S. Hess St., Quarryville.
"It's been a great turnout from the community," Tom said, sharing that he had hoped for 60 to 70 people. About 20 of the participants, including Troutman, are from Memorial's choir. An additional 20 singers are expected to come from New Jersey, where the Berdoses previously lived and produced similar performances of "Messiah." A full orchestra and professional soloists will also be part of the Dec. 15 production.
"I think we're doing well with it," Tom said of rehearsing the music. "They're working hard, and they're having fun. We laugh at our mistakes and keep learning."
"It's been very fun and exciting," agreed John Rintz of Strasburg Township. A member of Mount Eden Lutheran Church, Rintz joined the group as a way of reconnecting with his musical side following a busy career and the recent death of his spouse. "The first two rehearsals were over my head, but now it's good. Tom is such a great instructor," Rintz remarked.
Tom said he hopes to make "Messiah" performances an annual tradition like they had been at the churches he served in New Jersey. "We'd love for people to come and enjoy it and make it part of their Christmas," he said.
Rintz noted that he would like it to be part of his family's Christmas tradition as well. "We have a lot of young children in my family. They're excited to come see this," he said, adding that it is gratifying to have their support after years spent supporting them. "I've been to all their shows."
Strasburg resident Jenny Purvis sings with the West Chester Community Choir and has sung with church choirs, but this is her first time to be part of Handel's "Messiah." She is enjoying the experience.
"I like to sing, (and) it's a very friendly group. Everybody sings well," Purvis commented. "Tom is very organized, very detailed," she added, holding up a rehearsal sheet with the plans for the evening clearly marked and color coded.
"(Tom) is amazing," agreed Troutman, who has sung with Memorial's choir since she was 13. "He knows what to ask and how to get sounds from you. I've enjoyed (his directing) very much, and Deborah is magnificent on the organ."
Purvis noted that her favorite selections from the portion that will be performed on Dec. 15 are "For Unto Us a Child is Born" and the "Hallelujah" chorus.
"It's one of the most beautiful compositions I've heard," remarked Joshua Benkendorf. At age 16, Joshua is one of the youngest members of the "Messiah" choir. He and a friend come from York. "I love to sing; I'm in five choirs currently," Joshua explained. "I like the experience (of singing the 'Messiah') and how holy it is."
Tom said he expects the performance to run for about 80 minutes. Tickets will be required for admission. As only 300 tickets will be sold, he recommended that people purchase them in advance by calling the ticket line at 717-723-9001 or visiting http://quarryville.church. If not sold out, tickets will be available at the door.
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