George Frederick Handel’s Messiah is one of the most beloved and most known works of the western art canon, revered by professionals, amateurs, and enthusiasts alike. The Music City Messiah Festival aims to build vocal technique, music literacy, and performance practices among attendees who will receive instruction from educators, practitioners, and scholars in the areas of voice, choral conducting, music and world history. Additionally, local and regional choral ensembles will be showcased in an afternoon choral festival at 3pm featuring related to Handel's theme and composers of African descent. The Music City Messiah Festival will take place on Saturday, November 12th at the historic First Lutheran Church, 8th Avenue South, downtown from 10:00 am to 5:00pm with the Messiah Sing Along beginning at 6:00pm.

Progressive early music ensemble, Early Music City, will serve as the orchestra joined by soloists from the W. Crimm Singers (aka Wakanda Chorale) such as soprano and winner of the National HBCU Vocal Competition Alysha Hinton and renowned baritone, recording artist, and vocal coach Elvie Williams. Additionally, the choirs from Tennessee State University and Trevecca Nazarene University will be featured; serving as the choral core, marking the first musical collaborations between the two institutions. Enhancing the traditional sing-along concert model, the Music City Messiah Festival allows participants unfamiliar with the work to engage it beyond just “come, sing your part, and leave”. Local and regional choral ensembles will also be featured in an afternoon choral festival at 3pm performing a wide range of repertoire from the western choral canon, composers of African descent, and contemporary styles.

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10:00am - Messiah Choral Clinic I

12:00pm - Chat and Chew 

1:30pm  - Messiah Choral Clinic II

3:00pm - Choral Showcase

5:00pm -Food Truck Dinner 

6:00pm - Messiah Sing -Along