The Messiah Sing, a community sing-along of highlights from Handel's oratorio, has been an annual event in Kalamazoo for over 20 years. First Congregational Church music director Michael Palmer is leading the sing for the third time. Each year, he re-thinks which portions to sing, and how. For example, this year he's decided to turn over some of the most famous solo songs into unison section singing.
One of Michigan's most experienced early music performers, Eric Strand, will return as harpsichordist. He says it was the Americans, and not the British, who came up with the sing-along tradition of performing the Messiah. Palmer, Strand, and new section leader for the altos, Tami Snyder-Knutson talk with Cara Lieurance about what makes singing Handel's Messiah such a rewarding experience.
The Messiah Sing is a free event on Sunday at 4 pm at First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo. Some scores will be provided. More information at the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music website.
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