The Bach and Handel Chorale on Saturday performed Handel's "Messiah" during a sold-out show at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe. The chorale was joined by the Festival Orchestra and soloists.

The Mauch Chunk Opera House was a fitting setting for the concert. The sounds of the chorale and 20-piece Festival Orchestra swelled to fill the historic opera house, now maintained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society.This performance of "Messiah" was dedicated to tenor Rick Hand, who was a member of the Chorale from 2001 until his passing this year.This was the fourth time the chorale has performed "Messiah" in its entirety, said chorale founder and conductor Randall Perry."Many of the members wanted to sing it again," he said, noting that he quickly agreed to their request because of its timely message during the Christmas season."Groups and individuals are still trying to take Christ out of Christmas. People who believe in Jesus Christ, what he stood for and still stands for, need to hear this work and I believe that they hungered for it."Often declared one of Georg Frideric Handel's best known works, "Messiah" was composed to share the life of the Messiah.At the time of its composition, illiteracy was widespread and printed Bibles were prohibitively expensive, which made the idea of setting scripture to music appealing for Handel."Messiah" is divided into three parts describing the prophecy, birth, death and resurrection of the Messiah.Part 1 described the prophecy and act of the Messiah's birth. Soloists described a time of darkness prior to the Messiah in mysterious and sober tones. The chorus "For Unto Us a Child is Born," performed by the entire chorale, joyfully described His birth.The remainder of Part 1 was reflective and peaceful and described the shepherds who would visit the new born baby.Part II was a dramatic look at the life and death of the Messiah, a despised and rejected man during his lifetime. Much of the second act focused on the His sacrifice, as did the chorus "Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs," performed by the full chorale.Part II also celebrated the Messiah's ascendance and the promise of peace among the nations. These scenes were filled with a sense of hope and longing for peace.The second part ended with the "Hallelujah" chorus, the chorale's signature piece which is traditionally used to end each chorale performance. Audience members stood, many singing along to the familiar chorus, and remained standing as they applauded the chorale, soloists and Festival Orchestra.Part III included a promise of resurrection and redemption, containing familiar Christian texts such as "I know That My Redeemer Liveth" and "Worthy is the Lamb Who Was Slain," set to a rich orchestral accompaniment.The chorale was greeted by two standing ovations following the performance. Members ended the night by inviting the crowd to join them in singing the Christmas carol "Joy to the World.""I am extremely proud of the chorale, soloists and orchestra for the wonderful performance they gave," said Perry."As a conductor and church musician, I felt that my soul was fed and that we accomplished exactly what Handel intended to teach or reacquaint the audience with scripture set to music. In my estimate, it doesn't really get any better than that."The Bach and Handel Chorale was founded by Perry in 1984 to celebrate the 300th anniversaries of Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. Based in Jim Thorpe, the chorale is an active member of the American Bach Society and performs frequently throughout Carbon County and eastern Pennsylvania.The chorale will hold its annual Easter Concert on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 3 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Race Street in Jim Thorpe. It will also offer a benefit concert on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 3 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of St. John in the Heights, also in Jim Thorpe.For more information on upcoming events or to learn more about the chorale, visit

www.bachandhandelchorale.org.