Chapel Hill Messiah Open Sing

The 56th Annual Chapel Hill Open Sing

In this beloved Chapel Hill tradition, everyone participates! Guest conductor Martin Stam will direct a community orchestra, vocal soloists, and you – the audience – as the choir! Singers of all experience are welcome!

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Chapel Hill Bible Church (260 Erwin Road)

The event is free. No rehearsal is required.
Scores will be provided, or bring your own if you have one.
Or download the public domain 1912 Schirmer vocal score below.

Download Vocal Score

Hosted by the Chapel Hill Bible Church

CHBC Event Page

Event Details

Date

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Time

7:00 PM

Location

Chapel Hill Bible Church

260 Erwin Road, Chapel Hill

Map to Side Entrance

Cost

Free/Non-Ticketed

History of the Messiah Sing

The Annual Open Sing of Handel's Messiah has become a favorite Chapel Hill Christmas tradition. The event was started in 1966 by five newcomers to Chapel Hill: Fred Brooks and his wife Nancy, Mary Frances Boyce, Stan Mattson, and Caryl Thorn.

As Christmas 1966 neared, Stan Mattson suggested hosting a community event to air a recording of the Messiah. Nancy Brooks countered by proposing a community sing with a conductor and organist. This came to pass with the Wesley Foundation as the venue and Donald Plott from Charlotte as conductor. The event was so successful that it has continued ever since.

In the early years, the challenging job of organist was accomplished by Evelyn Culton and Nancy Nelson. After a few years the idea arose to accompany the entire piece with an orchestra. Over time Mary Frances Boyce has organized the orchestra and Florence Peacock has organized the soloists and invited a guest conductor.

The Open Sing begins with a speaker, who talks about the music, text, composer, and/or history. Speakers have included pastors, graduate students, professors, and musicians. The orchestra begins to play and the audience members become performers singing the choruses. A delightful variant on Handel's intended alternation between chorus and soloist was our introduction of having each section of the choir sing one of the solos. Most of the oratorio is performed. At least once, the entire work has been sung from start to finish!

The event has grown since its inception, evolving into a vibrant community performance and a beloved Chapel Hill Christmas tradition.

Contact Us

Love this event? Want to help with the 2024 Messiah Sing?

This event is made possible by an army of volunteers. We welcome help from orchestral musicians, vocal soloists, and event volunteers!

Email us at: info@chapelhillmessiah.org

Handel's Messiah