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Berkshire Bach's Messiah Sing

GREAT BARRINGTON, MASS.—There is much to be thankful for in this season but for residents of the tristate region one of our greatest gifts is the wealth of musical talent that lives and performs in the Berkshires.

An example of this musical diversity will be offered Saturday, November 26th, at 4PM. when the Berkshire Bach Players provide the accompaniment for the annual Handel’s Messiah Sing at the First Congregational Church, 251 Main Street, Great Barrington MA.

The program is the Society’s gift to the community at the beginning of each holiday season and is free. The audience becomes the chorus and raises its voice as one in the majestic Hallelujahs. Those wishing to sing are asked to bring their own scores (G. Schirmer version) or to borrow one at the door. The setting is informal and open to all, from experienced choral singers to avid listeners. Perfectionists—or those lacking confidence—can practice in advance by going to the YouTube link, Messiah Sing-in Parts for Practice.

Frank Nemhauser, a college professor and director of Berkshire Choral International, will conduct. Performing under his baton will be professional musicians Cindy Ogulnick and Miriam Shapiro, violin; Eric Martin, viola; Lucy Bardo, renowned as one of America’s finest players of the viola da gamba, who will play cello; famed trumpet player Allan Dean; Donald Sosin, piano, and Ben Harms, timpani.

The Berkshire Bach Society was founded in 1990 by the late Simon Wainrib of Egremont MA, growing out of a lecture series he gave at the former Albert Schweitzer Institute in Great Barrington. The BBS is dedicated to presenting concerts each winter of Bach’s cantatas, organ works, concerti and a variety of works by other Baroque composers.

The BBS has also established a second holiday tradition: Bach at New Year’s performance of the Brandenburg Concerti, scheduled locally this year for December 31st at 6PM at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington. Tickets can be obtained by calling 413-528-0100 clicking on the link below.

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