‘Messiah’ to be performed in Smithville

Handel’s “Messiah” will be performed at Oak Grove Mennonite Church in Smithville on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2:30 p.m.

Founded in 1818, the church has a long-standing tradition of singing this work, and this year it will perform selections for its 85th rendition.

Soloists will include professional musicians Lara Troyer, Hannah Rowlands, Brian Keith Johnson and Jack Lyons. Other accomplished musicians will make up the eight-piece orchestra, led by concertmaster Amy Glick Helmuth. Guest conductor will be Brian Wiebe from Goshen, Indiana.

The approximate 100-member choir is made up of church members and local musicians who love to sing. Oak Grove offers this to the community at no charge as a way to celebrate the Christmas season. A freewill offering will be taken.