Nov. 22, 2008 – Caribbean Chorale Inc., ambassadors of choral music for the Virgin Islands, invites the community to the Messiah sing-along and Christmas concert. This year’s presentation of Handel’s "Messiah" is scheduled for 7 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Nisky Moravian Church, and will involve the audience more than in previous years.
"For several years the Caribbean Chorale has performed Handel’s Messiah during our Christmas concert in the traditional format. The audience sits in the pews and the choir stands at the front of the church. This year, the respective choir sections will perform from the pews. Only the soloists will perform at the front of the church," said Chorale Director Yvonne Francis.
The format, which is not entirely new to the chorale, allows the audience to truly be a part of the performance. Audience members are encouraged to bring their Messiah scores to sing along with the choir at appropriate times during the concert.
The 43-voice chorale will feature soprano, Daphne Wallace; alto, Doreen van Putten; tenor, Ian Williams; and Dr. Lawrence Benjamin, bass. Additionally, the 41st annual Christmas concert will feature a selection with brass and organ accompaniment. Monet I. Davis is the featured organist, and Dr. LeRoy V. Trotman will direct the brass ensemble.
The Chorale’s Youth Choir, 35 members strong and regular contributors to all Caribbean Chorale events, will perform under the direction of Malvern Gumbs and Carolyn Thomas.
Tickets for the Caribbean Chorale’s 41st Anniversary Christmas Concert are $20 for adults and $10 for children and students. They are available from chorale members or at the door. For more information, call Ms. Williams at 693-1300.