Zanesville Civic Chorus & Orchestra Celebrate 95 Years of Performing Handel’s ‘Messiah’

ZANESVILLE, OH – A long standing tradition here in Zanesville is getting ready for its grand return.

The Zanesville Civic Chorus and Orchestra are preparing for their 95th year of performing Handel’s “Messiah”.

Jim McLaughlin, the tenor section leader and Assistant Director, says the 89 members began to practice together at the beginning of October and it’s been amazing to see it all come together.

“It’s been great fun that we’ve put it together with 10 Monday nights, this is something we do every year.” McLaughlin said. “There are many in the chorus that are brand new but there’s many that have been in it for many, many years so this is a real pilgrimage they do in the holiday season to prepare this major piece of music.”

The performance will take place at Central Trinity United Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 15th at 6PM.

Ann Lillie Briggs, the Music Director, says the concert is free and open to the public but there will be a freewill offering, with those proceeds heading to Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio.

“The performance is free thanks to the generosity of some donors, benefactors, and some grants that have been given to us.” Briggs said. “But we will ask the audience for a free will offering because Handel, when he first performed it, gave his money to charity and so we are continuing that tradition.”

Central Trinity UMC is located at 62 S. 7th Street.

If you can’t make the performance, don’t fear, it will be broadcasted live to Central Trinity’s website.