On Sunday evening, Dec. 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. the First United Methodist Church, Camden and Pleasant Valley Avenues, will celebrate the Advent season by presenting the Community-Sing of Handel’s Messiah for the 33rd consecutive year, under the direction of Donna Banes. Accompanying on the organ will be Glenn Rodgers, organist and Director of Music at First United Methodist Church in Moorestown.
This Community-Sing of Messiah attracts singers and listeners from nearby communities, Philadelphia, northern New Jersey and the shore. There are no rehearsals before the event and there are no featured choirs or soloists, making this particular Messiah-Sing unique. Everyone is seated together with others who sing the same vocal part (soprano, alto, tenor or bass) and the solo numbers are sung by the entire vocal section, thus giving everybody the chance to “sing a solo.” Even though the primary intent of a Messiah-Sing is for those who come to sing there have been those who just come to listen and sit in the middle of a choir of a few hundred singers.
The program will being at 5 p.m. in the church sanctuary, break for an intermission when light refreshments will be served, and will end at approximately 8 p.m. with the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Individuals my bring a music score or purchase one at the door at a cost of $8.50.
Our facilities meet the standard set by the American Disabilities Act for general access. Childcare will be available and a free will offering will be taken.
