MESSIAH CHORAL SOCIETY
Celebrating our 51st year!
Central Florida's longest-running free cultural performance
Welcome to the Messiah Choral Society website. Celebrate with us during our 51st performance season! Since 1973, we have offered a free professional performance of Handel’s “Messiah” annually as a free gift to the Central Florida Community. Considered the most magnificent classical work of all time, Handel’s “Messiah” features the Hallelujah Chorus” and a host of other glorious orchestrations which include choruses and solos, many of which contain very familiar melodies.
Not everyone in Central Florida is looking forward to a season of comfort and joy. Many of our neighbors have had to cut back on food to keep up with rising costs and high inflation. The good news is you can help. By donating to the Messiah Choral Society Food Drive, you can help provide healthy, nutritious meals for children and families facing hunger in our community. Every $10 provides 40 meals to those who need it most.
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JOIN US
If you are a singer who strives for excellence, we invite you to join our Society as a Full Member.
We begin our rehearsals in early September, continuing our work every Sunday afternoon through the first Sunday after Thanksgiving, which is typically the day of our concert.
COLLABORATION
Since 2008, the Messiah Choral Society has partnered with local organizations and historical societies to bring an enriching cultural experience to our performance.
Learn more about the Society's Collaborations and Outreach in Central Florida.
ACCESSIBILITY
Patrons with unique accessibility requirements may access ramps on the East and West main entrances of the Bob Carr Theater. Special seating is available. For additional information, please email us at messiahchoralsociety@gmail.com
HEARING IMPAIRED
Sonic Ear is available for hearing-impaired patrons through Guest Relations at the Bob Carr Theater.
FUNDRAISING
Although our Society’s yearly performance of Handel’s Messiah is free to the public, it actually costs the Society more than $50,000 each year to present a single concert of this glorious masterwork.
WHO WE ARE
The Messiah Choral Society is a non profit, 501(c)3 civic organization based in Winter Park, Florida. The society is not affiliated with any religious organization. We are open for all singers to participate. Each year, with generous community support, we raise all the funds necessary to continue our mission of providing a fine performance which is free to the public.
ORGANIZATIONAL SPONSORS
UNITED ARTS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
United Arts of Central Florida is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the one-stop-shop to support the arts, sciences and history in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
MUSIC PERFORMANCE FUND
The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) was established in 1948 as a nonprofit independent public service organization whose mission includes contributing to the public knowledge and appreciation of music, as well as making music a part of every child's life experience.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD
The mission of the Orlando Downtown Development Board (DDB) is to strengthen the role of Downtown Orlando as the economic, governmental and cultural center of Central Florida. The DDB is responsible for the planning, implementation and administration of the City’s core area redevelopment and development program.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE DIVISION OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS
The Mission of the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs is to advance, support, and promote arts and culture to strengthen the economy and quality of life for all Floridians.
ROLLINS COLLEGE
Rollins College educates students for global citizenship and responsible leadership, empowering graduates to pursue meaningful lives and productive careers. We are committed to the liberal arts ethos and guided by its values and ideals. Our guiding principles are excellence, innovation, and community.
DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
We believe a performing arts center should be more than a beautifully designed building. We believe in creating experiences that educate as much as entertain. And we believe in inspiring creativity with programming our entire community can enjoy.
The Messiah Choral Society works to ensure that a meaningful and enjoyable arts experience is available to all by offering adaptations and accommodations for individuals with disabilities and providing a welcoming environment to all regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status or sexual orientation. We believe that providing an accessible environment to all participants is vital to building a community that accepts all people.
"When Handel chooses, he strikes like thunder."
Mozart
