87 years of ‘Messiah’ by Civic Chorus and Orchestra

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – It’s become one of the area’s longest standing Christmas traditions.

For 87 years the Zanesville Civic Chorus and Orchestra has performed ‘Messiah’ as part of the Christmas season. Director Jim McLaughlin said it’s one of the area’s longest running traditions.

“This is the longest chorale tradition in Ohio. So Zanesville is on the record book for that. We’re going to do an offering tonight for Habitat for Humanity. So that beyond the concert there will be a gift for the community beyond the music,” said McLaughlin.

Over 100 performers participated in this year’s concert. McLaughlin said George Frederic Handel’s ‘Messiah’ is one of the most well known musicals.

“Handel’s ‘Messiah’ is the most well known chorale musical in the world. It’s performed in countries around the world every year,” said McLaughlin.

This was the 27th year that it was held at Central Trinity United Methodist Church.