Des Moines Community Orchestra

Celebrate & Sing Handel's Messiah

Join us for our annual presentation of Celebrate & Sing Handel’s Messiah.

The special feature of our Messiah concert is that the audience sings the chorus parts in this historic work. This concert has become a highlight for choir members around central Iowa. Although the audience performs without a formal rehearsal with the orchestra, the volunteer singers are always well versed in this beloved music. The results have always been thrilling. 

We will have a limited number of scores available at the concert for borrowing on a first-come-first-served basis. You may prefer to bring your own score if you wish to sing the chorus parts.

A Sit-In Adventure: Ever wished you could sit in the middle of an orchestra? Let's do it! Continuing a tradition started several years ago, we invite students to sit in with the orchestra for dress rehearsal. Dress rehearsal starts at 9:00 a.m., the Saturday before the Sunday concert. Dress rehearsal and concert are at Grace United Methodist Church this year. Students may sit on stage in their chosen instrumental section. Parents, your children will love it!. We orchestra members love it! Just show up and we will find students a place to sit. If sitting in the audience seats is preferred, that's fine too. Come and sit with us!

CELEBRATE & SING HANDEL'S MESSIAH CONCERT  

December 2, 2012, Sunday
Concert begins at 2:00 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church.
Pre-concert talk begins at 1:00 p.m.

Grace United Methodist is located at 3700 Cottage Grove, Des Moines, IA 50311.

Click here for more about Handel, and how Messiah was written.

Click here for a poster

Guest Conductor: 

Guest Soloists:

PROGRAM:

Pieces highlighted in gray will not be performed in this year.

Click the "¯listen" links to hear and practice the chorus parts.

Part I:

Part II:

Part III:

Music clips courtesy of Daniel L. Viens. To listen to the entire Messiah, and many other  Handel compositions, click here.