GUILFORD — Friends of Music at Guilford (FOMAG), now in its 52nd concert season, is preparing its two annual December events: the Community Messiah Sing and Christmas at Christ Church.
Presented at Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St. in Brattleboro, the 47th Community Messiah Sing - subtitled “A benefit for the homeless” - is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2, from 1 p.m. to about 3 p.m.
Between 250 and 300 residents and visitors to the region come to sing with or listen to the choruses of Handel's masterwork.
Ken Olsson is conducting this season for the first time, while William McKim is making his 30th appearance at the organ.
Featured vocal soloists are Junko Watanabe, soprano; Evelyn McLean, alto; James Anderson, tenor; and Cailin Marcel Manson, baritone. Trumpeter Melissa Griffin will contribute to the performance in a couple of sections.
Singers can bring a score, or they can borrow or buy one at the door.
All door donations are passed along to the Groundworks Collaborative. More than $18,000 has been collected since 2007, when the Sing was rededicated as a benefit for the nonprofit's food and shelter programs.
Sing participants are also encouraged to bring nonperishable food, winter clothing, outwear and blankets, as well as unwrapped new toys for Groundworks distribution.
Christmas at Christ Church
Two weeks later, the 45th Christmas at Christ Church program is set for Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. in that historic structure along Route 5 in Guilford.
This season's theme, “Such Wondrous Tidings,” is one of the program's 15th-century carols variously set in ancient or modern arrangements.
Performers include the Guilford Chamber Singers, led by Tom Baehr, and a few Guilford Chamber Players. Most of the 14-voice group sing with other choirs and choruses in the area.
Don McLean will reprise his rendition of Dylan Thomas's “A Child's Christmas in Wales.” To end the evening, all will participate in a short carol sing.
Admission to the Christmas programs is free, with door donations to be shared with the church's preservation fund.
Christ Church is at the corner of Route 5 and Melendy Hill Road, just over a mile south of Exit 1 off Interstate 91.
For further information about either event, contact the Friends of Music office at 802-254-3600 or office@fomag.org; visit online at www.fomag.org.