George Frideric Handel’s "Messiah" will be sung at the
Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. Director Wilson G. Somers will lead the Chancel Choir of
Advent and the Tatnall School Choir as well as professional soloists sopranos Alexis
Droke and Courtney Ames, mezzo Charlotte Paulsen, tenor Kameron Ghanavati, and
bass Brian Carter.
Admission is free but, according to the press release, "since it’s the season of giving, attendees are encouraged to
donate to a fund established by the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania to
support southern churches in need of rebuilding following several cases of
arson earlier this year."
It's so fitting that proceeds are being earmarked for charity, because the first performance of "Messiah," in April 1742 in Dublin, benefitted three charities" prisoners' debt relief, the Mercer's Hospital, and the Charitable Infirmary. Seven hundred people attended the concert, and, according to Wikipedia, "So that the largest possible audience could be admitted to the concert, gentlemen were requested to remove their swords, and ladies were asked not to wear hoops in their dresses. . . .The takings amounted to around £400, providing about £127 to each of the three nominated charities and securing the release of 142 indebted prisoners."
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