From staff reports
TRAVERSE CITY -- So you love the famed Handel oratorio "Messiah" -- especially during the holiday season. You've fantasized about belting out that magnificent "Hallelujah" chorus with hundreds of other singers, accompanied by an orchestra under the baton of a top-grade conductor.
You find the idea delightful -- yet scary. Sure, you enjoy singing; you're OK with Christmas carols at church. But you've never tried something as sophisticated as "Messiah." Would you be in over your head?
Have no fear, says Byron Hanson, conductor of the annual community Messiah Sing at Central United Methodist Church. The retired music faculty member at Interlochen Center for the Arts, who is preparing to lead the sing for the 17th consecutive year on Sunday, Dec. 6, welcomes newcomers as well as veterans -- and says there's no reason for anyone to be intimidated.
"The idea is for all of us to be able to experience firsthand a masterpiece that's been sung, year in and year out, in the English-speaking world since the first performance in 1742," Hanson said.
"This is meant to be a festive occasion. We want people who haven't done this before to give it a try. With such a large number of singers, the stronger ones can help carry people who are still learning. It's fun and exhilarating."
Now in its 31st year, the Messiah Sing assembles a volunteer chorus, four professional soloists and an orchestra for a performance of highlights from the oratorio that's put together in a single afternoon. People wanting to sing with the chorus rehearse for an hour, beginning at 2:45 p.m. The program starts at 4 p.m.
The eight choruses selected for the Traverse City performance are among the work's most familiar. In addition to "Hallelujah," the grand finale, they include: "And the Glory of the Lord," "O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion," "For Unto Us a Child is Born," "Glory to God," "Behold the Lamb of God," "Since by Man Came Death," and "Worthy is the Lamb."
Don't have a musical score? No problem; you can borrow one as you arrive at the church. There's no charge to take part -- or to listen with the audience if you don't want to sing -- but a free-will offering is taken to help cover expenses.
Hanson has a couple of suggestions for first-timers, especially those whose musical reading skills aren't the best. First, visit the library or music store and pick up a CD of a Messiah performance, and listen to the choruses a few times to become more familiar with them. Or, simply watch an online performance; there are plenty to choose from on YouTube.
Then, on the day of the sing, sit with a seasoned singer who's done it before.
That's what Wendee Wolf-Schlarf advises her students to do. The music coordinator for the Traverse City public school district also directs three choirs at Central High School and urges members to take part in the Messiah Sing.
"There are lots of experienced singers who are more than willing to share the joys of singing 'Messiah' year after year with first-time or young people and help guide them," said Wolf-Schlarf, who is returning as mezzo-soprano soloist this year.
If nothing else, she says, it's fine to simply sit with the chorus, follow the score to the best of your ability, and sing only when you feel comfortable.
"I just tell my kids to come and sing what you can, and next time you'll pick up a few more notes. So many of us learned that way. It was a tradition that was passed on, and we all want to be a part of that tradition and keep it going."
In addition to to Wolf-Schlarf, this year's soloists include soprano Lynne Church, tenor Isaac Hurtado and bass-baritone Jeffery Norris. Laurence Smith returns as organist. Among the orchestra members are musicians from Interlochen and the Traverse Symphony Orchestra.
"This is an opportunity to get in close touch with a musical masterpiece," Hanson said. "You can't paint with da Vinci, but you can sing with Handel. Just come, pick up a book and jump in."
The church is located 222 Cass St. For more information, call 946-5191.
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