Celebrate the holidays with one of classical music's most beloved traditions. Branford Messiah, now in its 30th year, will perform Part I of Handel's Messiah on Friday evening, December 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Congregational Church on the Branford Green. 

Under the baton of conductor Roy Wiseman, a professional chamber orchestra and soloists join over 50 community singers to share the joy of the season in a beautiful and festive space. This wonderful musical experience, launched in 1986 by Ettie Minor Luckey, is for the whole family and Branford Messiah continues to gift this highlight of the holiday season to the community free of charge as Ettie intended.

Roy Wiseman is a conductor who has premiered dozens of works by American composers. He has conducted at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, the　Kennedy　Center, the Oregon Festival of American Music, the Goodspeed Opera House, the Yale Center for British Art, and the Palace Theater (New Haven). Dr. Wiseman is currently serving as Conductor of the Wesleyan University Orchestra, and is the founder and Artistic Director of both New World Consort, a chamber ensemble that specializes in American music and Elite Syncopation, a ragtime/early jazz ensemble that tours nationally. Dr. Wiseman has also served as Music Advisor to Garrison Keillor's NPR program, recording annotator for the Musical Heritage Society, and lecturer in Wesleyan's Graduate Liberal Studies Program. He serves on the music faculties of　Wesleyan　University,　Central　Connecticut　State　University, and the　Educational Center for the Arts (New Haven).

Educated at Bennington College, the Yale School of Music, and the State University of New York at Stony Brook, Dr. Wiseman is especially pleased to be conducting Handel's Messiah, the subject of his doctoral thesis, in Branford again this season.

Community singers are invited to join the chorus at rehearsals and for the concert. All voice ranges are welcome. Rehearsals are Sunday December 10, 2:00 – 4:30pm, Sunday December 17 from 2 – 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday December 20, 7 – 9:30 p.m. All rehearsals take place in the Meetinghouse at the First Congregational Church in Branford.  The chorus will rehearse with the orchestra on Friday, December 22 at 5:30 p.m.  The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information, or to sign up to sing, email dga0126@yahoo.com or visit branfordmessiah.org.

Soloists for this performance will be Lielle Berman (soprano), Rebecca Ringle Kamarei (mezzo soprano), Edward Hull (tenor) and Jorell Williams (baritone).  The Branford Messiah will also be celebrating and honoring Hull, a Branford resident, who has performed as the tenor soloist for 30 years.  His incredible talent and this remarkable gift to the shoreline community will be recognized during the Friday night performance.

Come to sing or just to enjoy the beauty of this masterpiece and the spirit of the season. The concert is free of charge and seating is on a first come, first served basis at First Congregational Church, 1009 Main Street, Branford CT 06405.