Auburn Symphony's Messiah Sing-Along – a longstanding family tradition

When voices join in song, hearts dance and the human spirit is uplifted. When those voices accompany the wonderful music by the Auburn Symphony, spirits ascend in celestial harmony. That is why so many people faithfully attend the Messiah Sing-Along each year. Generations of families come, clutching their dog-eared Messiah songbook in one hand and the hand of a child in the other. The Messiah Sing-Along is a joyous, long-standing tradition for many. "Put on your most colorful holiday clothes, bring your best voices and join us for this beloved concert that we promise will leave you overflowing with the joy of the season," said Anne Brown, executive director of the Auburn Symphony. The evening will begin with warming up voices by singing traditional carols together, then launch into designated sections of Handel's Messiah masterpiece, where Auburn Symphony keyboardist Faythe Vollrath performs on harpsichord. Four soloists will join in, and then the entire audience is welcome to join the chorus, all under the direction of Maestro Ryan Murray. "The Music in the Mountains Chorus will join as special musical guests to help lead the robust chorus section," Brown said. "And there's nothing that compares to over 500 voices joined together singing the Hallelujah Chorus before heading off into the winter night!" Songbooks will be available to rent or purchase in the lobby while supplies last. Seating for this concert will be unassigned. Symphony staff has designated four areas on the floor as soprano/alto/tenor/bass so attendees may sit with their preferred vocal group if they so choose. Otherwise, it's general, open seating. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30. Electric car service from a specified parking lot on the Placer High School campus at Olive and Finely Streets will be available to shuttle mobility-impaired folks to the theater. Carol Guild is a freelance writer and longtime Auburn resident who loves to sing. Reach her at PacificCoastEditor@gmail.com.