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 The
2006 Christmas Performance |
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On Sunday, December 3, 2006, The Sarasota Choral Society
presented its 62nd consecutive annual performance of the
Christmas portion of George Frederick Handel's
Messiah: A Sacred Oratorio at Church of the Palms
Presbyterian Church in Sarasota, Florida. Led by
Artistic Director Deidre Reigel, the event featured
soloists Jeanette LaVoy, soprano; Lisa Wittman,
alto; Harv Wileman, tenor; and Colman Reaboi, bass; with
an orchestra consisting of key players from the Sarasota
Pops Orchestra, Elena Pierini on the organ, and an
84-member chorus. The performance began with a piano
prelude performed by Elena Pierini. Several new pieces
were added to the program this year: the Choruses
"Behold the Lamb of God", and "Let all of the angels of
God worship Him", the Recitative "Behold, I tell you a
mystery" and Air "The trumpet shall sound" for bass, and
a surprise addition of the tenor Recitative "Unto which
of the angels said He". "The trumpet shall sound" and
"Hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth"
featured antiphonal trumpets in the balcony on each side
of the chancel stage.
The sanctuary at Church of the Palms provided a
wonderful setting for the presentation of this
magnificent work of sacred music. All in attendance
found the acoustics superb and the music uplifting and
moving. Many thanks to all who helped make this event so
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A Note from the President
We are
so glad you could join us as we present Sarasota’s traditional kick-off
to the Holiday Season. We will transport you to a place and time where
war and unrest ruled the day and peace was elusive. Where traditional
ways of life were forcibly changed, hope was fleeting, and personal
freedoms were being eroded away. Yet, a new light and hope was born unto
the world. One that brought joy and took away the fear and despair from
any who were willing to embrace Him. One willing to carry the burdens of
the world on his shoulders and pay the ultimate price to redeem even the
meanest and smallest of us.
As you
listen and watch, release all of your worries and burdens and enfold
yourself in the real celebration of this Christmas season through the
experience of this timeless and meaningful sacred music, for “His yoke
is easy and His burden is light”.
On
behalf of all of the members of The Sarasota Choral Society, may this
performance bring at the least an enjoyment of beautiful classical
music, but may it also help you find solace from the burdens of life;
and peace, comfort and joy throughout the future.
God
bless and Merry Christmas to you all,
Vince A.
Vance, President
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Choral Society banner on front of Church of the Palms.
