Craven Messiah Chorus

James Ogle, conductor, will return to New Bern for the thirty-fifth performance of George Friderick Handel’s Messiah, set for Monday, December 11th at Centenary United Methodist Church, on the corner of New and Middle Streets.  An Open Rehearsal will be held at 3:00 p.m. and a performance at 7:30 p.m.

Rehearsals for the chorus will begin Monday, November 6 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary of Centenary UMC.  Singers need to provide their own G. Schirmer score, available at Fuller Music, 2310 Trent Road, New Bern.  Singers do not have to audition but should be able to match pitch and be willing to work hard to master the music.

Begun in 1981, the performances have featured a 135-member chorus from the surrounding area, including Beaufort, Craven, Carteret, Jones, New Hanover, Pamlico and Wayne counties.  Accompanying the singers will be an orchestra composed of members of the North Carolina Symphony, many of whom have returned to New Bern each year for this occasion.  The production is sponsored by the Craven Messiah Chorus, an organization originally founded by Centenary United Methodist Church, Christ Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church, and First Presbyterian Church. Co-directors of the Craven Messiah Chorus are B.J. Oglesby and Pat K. Rowlett.  For information, phone Pat Rowlett at 637-3270, or visit CravenMessiahChorus.org.

Admission: Tickets will be available November 2nd at Fuller Music, 2310 Trent Road, and the Craven Arts Council & Gallery, 317 Middle Street, New Bern.  Tickets are also available from the Arts Council by credit card:  (252) 638-2577.