Handel’s ‘Messiah’ to be performed Dec. 3 in Ottawa

George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” is returning to Ottawa.

A performance of the Christmas portion (Part One) of the Messiah is scheduled Sunday, Dec. 3 at St Columba Church, 122 W. Washington St.

All interested singers in the surrounding area are invited to participate. There will be five choruses. To encourage as many to participate, one may sing in one or all choruses depending on their knowledge of the music, energy and skill level. Chorus books are available. Some can be borrowed and some purchased. The cost per book is $8. Parts can be practiced by going to YouTube.

There will be six rehearsals starting 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday Oct. 30, at the 1st Presbyterian Church, 114 E. Jefferson St., using the south side door.

The rehearsal schedule is as follows: Monday, Oct. 30, “And the Glory of the Lord;” Monday, Nov. 6, “O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion;” Monday, Nov. 13, “For Unto Us a Child is Born;” Monday, Nov. 20, “Glory to God;” and Monday, Nov 27, “Hallelujah” chorus. It is not necessary to attend all or any of the rehearsals if you know your part. If you want to sing in one or more choruses and unsure of your part, attend the corresponding rehearsal(s). Singers will meet 1 p.m. Dec. 3 to rehearse the choruses before the performance at 3 p.m. Everyone who is singing needs to be there for the final rehearsal.

Soloist tryouts will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the First Presbyterian Church. Contact Lloyd Chapman if interested at 815-488-8114.