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 The
2009 Christmas Performance |
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On Sunday, December 5, 2009, The Sarasota Choral Society
presented its 65th consecutive annual performance of the
Christmas portion of George Frideric Handel's
Messiah: A Sacred Oratorio at Pine Shores
Presbyterian Church in Sarasota, Florida. Led by our new
Artistic Director
Geneviève Beauchamp, the event featured soloists Deborah Berioli,
soprano; Deborah Ann Polkinghorn, alto; Brad Diamond, tenor; and
Douglas Renfroe, bass; with an orchestra consisting of
key players from the Sarasota Orchestra, Dr.
Jonathan Spivey on the organ, and an
100-member chorus. The performance began with a choral
prelude performed by Sarasota Young Voices which
included a number of seasonal pieces from around the
world. They accompanied the Sarasota Choral Society
Chorus as they processed in to "Ding Dong Merrily on
High" and also joined the entire group for the finale of
the "Hallelujah Chorus".
The sanctuary at Pine Shores Presbyterian provided a
very beautiful setting for the presentation of this
magnificent work of sacred music with its Jerusalem
stone chancel and superb acoustics.
Patrons enjoyed a reception following the performance
in celebration of the Society's 65th year. Many thanks to all who helped make this event so
successful. |
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Photos courtesy of Bruce Lehman and V. A. Vance. |
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Choral Society banner in front of Pine Shores Presbyterian Church.
