Zanesville Civic Chorus to perform 96th annual Handel’s “Messiah” concert

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – One of Zanesville’s longest standing traditions is returning to Central Trinity United Methodist Church.

The 96th annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah” by the Zanesville Civic Chorus is Sunday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. The concert is free and there will be an offering taken to raise money for Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio.

“We have done different charities through the years but we just feel that Habitat for Humanity Southeastern Ohio is doing such a tremendous work in this area getting affordable housing to families who deserve that housing. And so, at least for the past five or six years, we have partnered with them and given them our offering,” said Ann Lillie Briggs, director of the Zanesville Civic Chorus.

If you are unable to attend the official performance on Sunday, you can live stream the event on the church’s website or attend the rehearsals leading up to the event.

“This Saturday 2 to 5 (p.m.) and 6 to 8 (p.m.) the soloists and the chorus will be practicing with the orchestra and so those rehearsals are open to the public. So, some people that don’t like to be in a crowded situation, they’ll come to that also as a rehearsal and sort of find us putting it together. They like that fun too,” said Jim McLaughlin, the assistant director of the chorus.

Members of the Zanesville Civic Chorus have recently performed at the Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York City and are excited to bring that same energy to Zanesville.