Hallelujah! As Vermont enters the season of cold and darkness, Handel’s beloved Messiah brings warmth, light and joy. Conducted by Lisa Jablow, the Vermont Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus will present two uplifting performances to put everyone in the holiday spirit, on Friday, December 5 at 7:30 pm in St Augustine Church in Montpelier, and Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 pm in the Barre Opera House.

The Vermont Philharmonic performances will present the entire first part of Messiah, with arias and choral numbers that contemplate the idea of a messiah, foretell the coming, and hail the arrival. The concert concludes with the beloved “Hallelujah” chorus from Part II, and six numbers from Part III celebrating redemption.

The outstanding soloists are familiar to Vermonters. They include Colleen Flynn Campbell, soprano, Nessa Rabin, mezzo-soprano, Connor Trombly, tenor, and Erik Kronke, bass. Mary Jane Austin is the assistant choral director

Celebrating its 67th Season, the Vermont Philharmonic is composed of professional and talented amateur musicians from throughout Vermont. It is Vermont’s oldest community orchestra, founded in 1959 by Jon Borowicz, emeritus professor of music at Norwich University. Since 1993, the Philharmonic’s home base has been the Barre Opera House. Lou Kosma has been the Music Director of the Philharmonic since 1999.

Tickets are available online at vermontphilharmonic.com or at the door.