Orchestra and choral group perform Handel's 'Messiah'

Staff Reports

The Carson High School Concert Choir and TOCCATA, The Orchestra and Community Choral Artists of the Tahoe Area, present TOCCATA's fifth annual production of Handel's "The Messiah" in a fundraising performance for the CHS Choral program on Dec. 22 in Carson City.

"The Messiah" was first performed in Dublin, Ireland, on March 23, 1742, and was conducted by its composer. TOCCATA's celebration of the holidays includes favorite selections from "The Messiah," but seasonal carols that the audience will be most welcome to join in singing.

Performances are Friday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, 1041 Lyons Ave., South Lake Tahoe, (530) 544-3533; Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at St. John Presbyterian Church, 1070 W. Plumb Lane, Reno, (775) 826-0990; and Sunday, Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. at The Resort at Squaw Creek, where a dinner and concert package is available.

The final performance is Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Carson City Capital Christian Center. The Dec. 18, 19 and 22 performances will include singers from the 70-voice Carson High School Concert Choir. The Dec. 22 benefit is for the high school choir's future tour presentations and includes Carson High alumni.

All performances will be directed by Maestro James Rawie. "The Messiah" series marks the conclusion of TOCCATA's fourth season. Joining the Tahoe Chamber Orchestra and Chorus for this production are soloists Tammy Brock, Joy Strotz, and Anna Helwing, sopranos; Marianne Ashley and Susan Benefield, mezzo sopranos; Andy Sonnemaker and John Hutto, tenors; and Stuart Duke, baritone.

The Tahoe Chamber Orchestra features Virginia Bowman as concertmaster; David Brock, Ben Benson, and Ben Wallek on continuo; and Mark Lord and William Van Meter on Baroque trumpets.

General admission to the concerts at South Lake, Reno and Squaw Valley is $20 adults, $15 seniors, $5 students 25 and under with valid ID, and preferred seating is $35. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.

As the Dec. 22 performance is a special fundraiser for the Carson High School Choir, admission to that concert is $25 for adults and $15 for students. Preferred seating is $45 and includes a reception. All performances are supported by the Kling Family Foundation, Thorny Point Foundation, and TransAD Puerto Rico.

For information or preferred seating at (775) 313-9697. Information, www.ToccataTahoe.com