Due to a destructive windstorm that toppled area trees, ravaged buildings and stripped power from tens of thousands of Mat-Su homes over the past weekend, the beloved annual musical performance of Handel’s Messiah was postponed – but not abandoned.
The 30-plus year tradition continues on Dec. 14, with two free performances at the Glenn Massay Theater – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
With the aid of dozens of choral singers and musicians from across numerous Christian denominations in the Mat-Su, Anchorage and Eagle River areas, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Wasilla is, once again, presenting what has become a long-standing Mat-Su staple.
Composed in just 24 days in 1741 by the German-born George Frideric Handel, the Messiah traces the history of Jesus Christ’s birth, death and resurrection. During the composition, Handel said he felt divinely inspired, claiming he thought he saw “all heaven before me and the great God Himself” when he wrote the famous “Hallelujah” chorus.
While originally created as an Easter concert, the Messiah is now primarily performed around the world in the lead up to Christmas.
In honor of longstanding protocol, Mat-Su attendees will be invited to stand during the renowned “Hallelujah” chorus, a tradition that originated in the 1743 London premiere, when King George II was so inspired by the music that he rose to his feet, obligating the entire audience to do the same by royal protocol. It is also standard practice in many traditional churches to stand when singing “Hallelujah,” before the reading of the Gospels.
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While the Messiah was composed more than 280 years ago, it remains a widely popular and enduring classic – hailed by the master German composer Ludwig van Beethoven as “the greatest masterpiece of music ever composed.”
Mat-Su performances are typically packed to full capacity with seating on a first-come-first-served basis. On Dec. 14, doors will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. performances.
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