Messiah performance to benefit Carson High School Concert choir

The Carson High School Concert Choir will collaborate with TOCCATA - The Orchestra and Community Choral Artists of the Tahoe Area - in a special fundraising performance Tuesday for the CHS choral program.

The high school choir will join TOCCATA in the final performance of its fifth annual production of Handel's Messiah at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22 at Carson City Capital Christian Center at 1600 Snyder Ave.

The Messiah was first performed in Dublin, Ireland, on March 23, 1742, and conducted by its composer, George Frideric Handel. It continues to be a masterpiece that has left audiences in awe for 268 years.

The TOCCATA production is a celebration of the holidays and includes not only favorite selections from the Messiah, but seasonal carols for the audience to join in singing.

The performance will include singers from the 70-voice Carson High School Concert Choir and benefits future tour presentations.

The performance will be directed by Maestro James Rawie.

Joining TOCCATA for this production are soloists Tammy Brock, Joy Strotz, and Anna Helwing, sopranos; Marianne Ashley and Susan Benefield, mezzo sopranos; Andy Sonnemaker and John Hutto, tenors; and Stuart Duke, baritone.

The Tahoe Chamber Orchestra features Virginia Bowman as concertmaster; David Brock, Ben Benson, and Ben Wallek on continuo; and Mark Lord and William Van Meter on Baroque trumpets.

General admission is $25 for adults and $15 for students. Preferred seating is $45 and includes a reception. All performances are supported by the Kling Family Foundation, Thorny Point Foundation, and TransAD Puerto Rico.

For more information or preferred seating, call 775-313-9697 or visit TOCCATA at www.ToccataTahoe.com.