Sierra Vista Community Christmas Choir to Perform Handel's "Messiah"

Submitted by Maryann Hockstad

The “Hallelujah Chorus” will ring out again this year when the Sierra Vista Community Christmas Choir presents the Advent and Christmas portions of Handel’s “Messiah.” The performance is being hosted by St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, at 7pm on Sunday, December 18. This marks the 14th year that musicians from throughout the community will join together to present this time-honored piece of music. Reynaldo Romo will direct a 45-voice choir, with Billie Hayes on the pipe organ. Several local soloists will be featured as part of what is becoming a Sierra Vista tradition. 

Without question, George Frederick Handel’s “Messiah” is one of the most famous pieces of music every written or performed.  This Baroque-era oratorio has become a musical rite for the holiday season. “Messiah” debuted during the Easter Season in April 1742, and there has not been a year since that it has not been performed in large and small concert halls and churches throughout the world. Handel conducted “Messiah” many times and he often changed the music and text based on the singers and orchestra. As a result, there is no single “authentic” version. The “Messiah” is written in three parts. The first part focuses on the birth and life of Jesus. The second part describes the passion and death of Jesus, and the third part focuses on the theme of resurrection. The choir and soloists for this Sierra Vista performance will perform Part I, as well as one air from Part III. And of course, no performance of “Messiah” would be complete without the majestic “Hallelujah Chorus.” 

Reynaldo Romo has directed the annual “Messiah” presentation since the first performance in 2008. Reynaldo is a local musician who has performed with the Arizona Opera Company and Austin Lyric Opera. Along with his operatic background, he has performed in numerous oratorios and recitals across the country. He first conceived of performing “Messiah” at St. Andrew’s in 2008 after attending a pipe organ concert at St. Andrew’s. After the concert, he approached the pastor of St. Andrew’s, Fr. Greg Adolf, and suggested the idea of a “Messiah” presentation at Christmas time. Thus the start of what has become an annual tradition in Sierra Vista. 

Reynaldo said that he feels that “this performance is a great way to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Christ’s birth.” Also, the beautiful sound of the St. Andrew’s pipe organ, the largest pipe organ in Cochise County, only makes the performance better.

The choir members come from all around the local area. Most have sung “Messiah” many times, starting in high school or college. Rebecca Williams, the music director at St. Andrew’s, says “just look at the faces of the singers and musicians when the performance is over.  You'll see wide grins and bright eyes. Each year, there is a special feeling between musicians, singers and the audience. It feels as if we all have shared in the performance -- not just the performers.” Many of the singers say that “Messiah” is like an old, familiar friend whom we visit once a year. 

Undoubtedly, the most famous part of “Messiah” is the well-known and universally acclaimed “Hallelujah Chorus.” In English-speaking countries, it is customary to stand while the “Hallelujah Chorus” is being sung. The custom dates back to the first performance, when tradition says that King George I stood because he was overcome by emotion when he listened to the piece. Of course when the king stood, his subjects were required to stand as well. Whatever the king’s reason for standing, he unwittingly began a tradition that has been followed for generations. Most concert goers know about the tradition of standing during the chorus, however as one choir member said, regardless of the King’s reasons for standing, “the music is so stirring that it is very difficult to remain seated!” 

There is no charge for this performance. It is a gift to the community. However a freewill offering will be taken to support the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society during the holiday season. The Society is a global organization that reaches out to the poor and needy in our local community and throughout the world. Both the St. Andrew the Apostle Conference and the Our Lady of the Mountain Conference provide emergency assistance to families and individuals in the local community. The assistance they provide includes food, clothing, medicines and household goods. The St. Andrew’s Conference also runs a thrift store and community food bank. 

To this day, Handel’s masterpiece is one of the most famous oratorios ever written. Professional symphonies and choirs perform the piece, non-professional musicians perform it for the love of the music, and many people attend “Messiah” sing-a-longs. 

The Sierra Vista Community Christmas Choir sincerely hopes you will join them for this holiday tradition. For additional information, call 520-456-5555.

Hallelujah!