St. John Brebeuf Parish’s second annual Do-It-Yourself performance of Handel’s “Messiah” proved to be a huge success, according to organizers.
The concert was held on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m, at the parish church in Niles. The admission was free, and visitors were encouraged to sing along. According to parish spokesman Dick Barton, about 900 people attended.
“Messiah” is an oratorio, or opera that doesn’t involve any acting, that was composed by the German-born composer George Frideric Handel. It follows the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and details the prophecies about his return. The parish has organized performances a way to introduce the community to Handel’s work, showcase great performances and tell the story of Jesus Christ.
The oratorio was performed by Niles Metropolitan Chorus members, with the Musica Lumina Chamber Orchestra providing the musical accompaniment.
This year, the Do-It-Yourself concert doubled as a part of a tribute to the Rev. Stanley Rudcki, founder of the Niles Symphony Orchestra and the Niles Concert Choir. Throughout his life, he worked to bring classical music – including Handel’s Messiah – to members of the community that would otherwise never be exposed to it.
To honor his legacy, St. John Brebeauf launched a series of eight free concerts that will run through March 2015. The Do-It-Yourself concert was the fifth in the series. The next concert, a performance by classical guitarist Jack Cimo, will take place on Feb 15, 2015.
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