Submitted by Orcas Choral Society

They say it takes a village…or in this case, an extremely talented island. Orcas Choral Society’s production of Handel’s Messiah this December brings together musicians and artists from across Orcas. Soloists include: Soprano Sharon Abreu, known both for her classic coloratura and as an Orcas voice for peace; Alto Grace McCune, the vocal powerhouse behind Rock on the Rock; Popular young singer Cali Bagby, also known from Rock on the Rock; Boy soprano Leo Battles, an 8th grader at Orcas Island Middle School; Tenor Eric Jeffords, a fresh voice from Seattle; and Basso profundo John Heath, vocal anchor at Orcas Community Church, who has sung Messiah many times on several continents.

The orchestra similarly draws on many local talents, from Scott Heisinger on violin to Tom Felber on bass. Terri Triplett has been receiving master classes in harpsichord technique from both Roger Sherman and Marianne Lewis. Roger is providing his own harpsichord for the performances and will tune the instrument daily.

Meanwhile, in Olga, master printer and calligrapher Peter Schultz researched typefaces and scripts used in Handel’s day to handletter “Messiah” for the concert’s graphics. Watch for it around town soon.

Orcas institutions are chipping in as well. Singers rehearse Tuesdays at the Orcas Center and Thursdays at the Adventist Chapel. Emmanuel Episcopal Church and the Orcas Island Public Library host the board as needed.

You can add your voice. The Sunday matinee will be a sing-along. Bring your own score or borrow one at the door. Or, let the music lift your heart at the Friday, Dec. 1 or Saturday, Dec. 2 performance. Tickets are available at the Orcas Center web site, https://orcascenter.org. Children attend free and youth 13-18 get in for $5. See you there.

“Why is music for choir and orchestra, written 280 years ago, setting a text almost 2,000 years old, still so popular?” mused OCS Artistic Director Bruce Langford. “Come hear Orcas Choral Society perform Messiah and learn why.”