DPO Chamber Choir to perform ‘Messiah’

How to go

What: DPO Chamber Choir performing Handel’s “Messiah”

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13

Where: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Wilkinson Blvd., Dayton

Cost: $28-$14

More information: (937) 228-3630 or www.dayton philharmonic.com

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a performance of “Messiah” by German-English, Baroque composer George Frideric Handel (1685-1759).

Conceived in 1742 for secular theater, Handel’s “Messiah” is a seasonal standard widely featured in Christian churches during the four weeks of Advent.

On Sunday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m. the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Chamber Choir will assemble at Westminster Presbyterian Church to perform of one of the most popular pieces in Western choral repertory.

“Messiah” is an English oratorio in three parts that addresses significant events in the life of Jesus Christ. The libretto, written by Brit Charles Jennens, covers the birth, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of “the anointed one.”

“Even though it was performed in a secular place first, it always has been a sacred work,” said Robert Jones, director of the University Chorale at the University of Dayton. “The three parts are the general portion, the thanksgiving portion and the Advent portion. The thing that makes ‘Messiah’ so wonderful is its variety. ... Over time, that variety has proven to be trans-generational. It crosses over. People love it.”

DPO director of marketing, David Bukvic, said the Chamber Choir — conducted by DPO choir director Hank Dahlman — is a smaller body of singers plucked from the massive DPO Chorus.

“The DPO Chamber Choir is a subset of the Chorus,” Bukvic explained. “It consists of elite singers from the Chorus. The DPO Chorus has 100 voices, whereas the Chamber Choir has no more than 60.”

Soloists for “Messiah” are Kristen Plumley (soprano), Jodi Karem (mezzo soprano), John Tiranno (tenor) and Kyungmook Yum (bass).

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2167 or kmoss@DaytonDaily News.com.