Golden Isles Community Messiah Chorus: Messiah Concerts

An essential holiday concert for many in the Golden Isles, the Community Messiah Chorus’ performance of Handel’s Messiah, Part One will be its 30th. Formed in 1984 under the leadership of Barbara Meadows, the chorus has offered its gift of music to the community every year since, with the exception of 2010, when Meadows retired and the group reorganized. “We owe a great debt of gratitude to Barbara for having the vision to see what an inspiring and vital part of the community this chorus would become,” says soprano soloist Rhonda Hambright. “For most of us in the Golden Isles, it just isn’t Christmas without Messiah!”

The chorus first performed Messiah at St. Simons United Methodist Church with Barbara conducting and Jan Lane Harper playing the organ. They both retired in 2009 after 25 years and, in 2013, Harper lost her battle with cancer. The December 2013 concert was dedicated to her memory and the Jane Lane Harper Memorial Fund established then continues to help support the concert today. “In order to give our free gift of this glorious music to the community each year, we depend on donations, grants, and sponsorships,” says Susan Garrett, fundraising chair.  “It is our intention to continue a first rate performance in the simple joy of the Christmas season.”

Following Meadows’ retirement, Wesley United Methodist Church graciously took the chorus under its wing, first under the baton of Josh Sholander and now, since 2012, under the leadership of Christopher Goodson. Goodson added strings, woodwinds and timpani to the orchestral ensemble accompanying the chorus; the ensemble also includes organ and brass. “We have been blessed to have attracted some very fine professional musicians to accompany our volunteer singers, and this has richly enhanced our presentation,” says Goodson. “Each year I try to explore new facets of energy behind the music as we work to bring it as close as possible to the original orchestration envisioned by Frederic Handel.”

This year’s concerts will feature soloists Rhonda Hambright, Soprano; Regina Torres, Alto; Nicholas Devereaux, Tenor; and Chris Roper, Bass. Performances will be held Saturday, December 5th at 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 6th at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Wesley United Methodist Church at Frederica and are always free and open to the public. Ring in the season with this magnificent musical event.