MUSIC | A sacred oratorio

Join the Springfield Choral Society for its annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” the English-language oratorio originally intended as a thought-provoking work to be performed around Easter and Lent, but ultimately became a staple of the Christmas and holiday season. “Messiah” was composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel and set to an arrangement by Charles Jennens that includes scriptural text from the King James Bible as well as Psalms included with the Book of Common Prayer. Saturday’s performance will be conducted by Marion Van der Loo and will feature accompaniment by a full orchestra. Tickets to the performance are $15 and are available online at http://springfieldchoralsociety.org, by calling 787-4868 or for purchase at the door.