92nd Anniversary Messiah Performance

George Frideric Handel was born in Halle, Germany in 1685 and died in London, England in 1759.  Known as one of history’s greatest composers, he is most famous for the Messiah, which was first performed in Dublin, Ireland in 1742, and now reverently enjoyed by millions during the Christmas Season.

Come hear Handel's Messiah performed at Oak Grove Mennonite Church, Smithville, Ohio on Sunday, December 17 at 2:30 PM. Founded in 1818, the church has a long-standing tradition of hosting this beautiful and worshipful work, and this year will mark the 92nd anniversary of the first rendition in 1931!  Soloists will include professional musicians Lara Troyer, Hannah Rowlands, Brian Keith Johnson, and Tim Culver. Other accomplished musicians will make up an orchestra led by Concertmaster Amy Glick Helmuth, and Guest Conductor Brian Wiebe from Goshen, Indiana.  The approximate 80-member choir is made up of local musicians who love to sing.  Oak Grove offers this to the community at no charge as a meaningful way to celebrate the Christmas season.  A freewill offering will help defray expenses and a capacity crowd is expected.