'Messiah' performances to be held in Bigfork, Whitefish and Kalispell

The Glacier Symphony and Chorale continues its annual holiday tradition of bringing George Frideric Handel’s iconic choral work “Messiah” to three venues in Flathead Valley over the weekend of Dec. 7-9.

Music Director of the GSC, John Zoltek, will lead the Glacier Chorale and a small baroque-size orchestra in a selection of choruses. The concert will also include a brief selection of sacred Christmas choral pieces arranged by Chorale Conductor Jim Stanard.

Because the oratorio by Handel is over three hours in length, the GSC will perform a shorter version that focuses on some of “Messiah’s” best loved, magnificent choruses including “And the Glory of the Lord” and the “Amen Chorus.” It will conclude with the popular “Hallelujah Chorus” considered to be one of the greatest sacred selections of the entire choral repertory.

Typically audiences stand during the “Hallelujah Chorus,” a tradition that has continued from King George II of England’s day. It is said that the King was so overwhelmed by emotion at a performance of “Messiah” that he rose to his feet during the “Hallelujah Chorus,” therefore obligating his loyal subjects to do the same. The tradition continues to this day.

According to Zoltek, “Messiah” has become somewhat of a mainstay of the Christmas season, though it was originally performed during the Easter season.

The Friday, Dec. 7, concert will be held in the sanctuary of Blessed Pope John Paul II Catholic Church, at 195 Coverdell Road in Bigfork. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Then on Dec. 8 it moves to the Whitefish Performing Arts Center for a 7:30 p.m. performance. A Sunday matinee performance will begin 3 p.m. at Flathead High Performance Hall in Kalispell

Tickets are available in a range of prices. Go to www.gscmusic.org or call the GSC office for information at 257-3241. No free youth tickets will be available for this concert.