“Messiah” by George Frideric Handel is one of the most loved works of all time, and now you can sing along! Tryon Fine Arts Center presents the Do It Yourself (DIY) Messiah on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

The DIY Messiah is for singers, would-be singers, choir groupies, Baroque karaoke enthusiasts, and even people who can’t carry a tune in a bucket (we have buckets). All are welcome for this free community event, sponsored by the Polk County Community Foundation.

The conductor, soloists, and instrumentalists will do the hard part, especially the conductor, all that arm waving will wear a person out. The audience is invited to join in and sing the choruses. Bring your own score or use one of ours (we have extras) and join conductor Pam McNeil, and pianist Beth Child.

If you absolutely don’t want to sing, come anyway and enjoy the music! You can pretend to be texting your friends. No one will judge you.

We’ll wind our way through the Christmas portion of the work, skipping the hard stuff, and singing the fun pieces: “And the Glory of the Lord,” “O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion,” “For Unto Us,” “Glory to God,” and (of course) the Halleluiah Chorus. There will be a reception following the DIY Messiah, with delicious holiday goodies catered by Rebecca Davis.

“Messiah” is the only musical work to be in continuous performance (every year) since it was written in a 24-day composing flurry in 1741. You wouldn’t want to break a 275-year-old tradition, would you? Handel gave all his proceeds to an orphanage, so there is no charge for this community event thanks to support from the Polk County Community Foundation.

For more information, call TFAC at 828-859-8322 or check out the event online at
tryonarts.org.

– article submitted by Michelle Fleming