What is a Sing-Along Messiah?

    It's an event attended by anyone who loves music and who would like to sing or listen to Handel's Messiah. Copies of the music will be available to borrow for the evening. The performance features an on-stage chorus of approximately 100 voices and the accompaniment of a full orchestra. The solo arias of the Messiah are sung by outstanding Bay Area vocalists.
    The full score of Messiah consists of three sections and takes more than four hours to perform. This concert includes the first section, considered the "Christmas" section, and selections from the other two parts. The concert ends with the singing of the well-known "Hallelujah Chorus" which comes from Part 2 of the oratorio.

But I'm not really a singer. Should I come?
Yes, please come. You don't need to sing, but you will be amazed by the singing that takes place all around you.  There is no pressure to rehearse or sing like a soloist. It's a charity event, so buy your ticket and come enjoy and receive inspiration for the holiday season.

R. Daniel Earl, Director

​Dan Earl has been the conductor of the Redwood Empire Sing-Along Messiah for the past 36 years.  He was a singer in the first Sing-Along before becoming conductor. Mr. Earl taught in the public schools for 39 years, including at Santa Rosa High School. Mr. Earl also was an Adjunct teacher at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he conducted the Sonoma County Chorus, the forerunner of the Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus. He has had seven choirs perform for the American Choral Directors Association Western and National Conferences and has toured Internationally with a number of his choirs.

Nicholas Xenelis

Nicholas Xenelis is director of the Santa
Rosa Chamber Orchestra, formerly Baroque Sinfonia. A veteran teacher, he has been an advocate and active voice for music in the schools, and remains involved in  Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State programs. He is an Instructor of Clarinet and Strings and has conducted the Chamber Winds class at SSU. Mr. Xenelis plays regularly in various chamber and orchestral groups, jazz ensembles, and quartets and is principal clarinet in the American Philharmonic as well as a regular substitute clarinet for the Santa Rosa Symphony.
 

2017 Performers 

The 2017 featured soloists were:
Soprano - Wendy Wheelwright
Mezzo - Liesel Hall
Tenor- Mark Kratz
Bass - Gene Wright
                And
The Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus, Robert Hazelrigg, Director
The Santa Rosa Junior College Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, Jody Benecke, Director

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