Our Organization
Music Director
Dr. John Sinclair has served as Music Director/Conductor of the Messiah Choral Society since 1988 and as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Bach Festival Society since 1990. He is also Director of Music at Rollins College and holds the John M. Tiedtke Endowed Chair. He enjoys a national reputation as a conductor of choral masterworks while locally being known as one of the hardest-working and in-demand artists of the Central Florida cultural community.
For two consecutive years, he received the “Outstanding Music Educator of the Year” by United Arts of Central Florida, and he was listed as a Florida International Magazine Power Player in the Arts. Dr. Sinclair founded both the Bach Festival Society’s Arts-in-Education programs and the Rollins College Community School of Music. He earned his undergraduate degree from William Jewell College and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri in Kansas City.
The Choir
The Choir consists of members from all walks of life, from high school students to retirees, and from casual singers to professional musicians. It is un-auditioned and averages about 120 singers.
Board of Directors
Officers
President - Heather Cowley
Vice President - David DiQuattro
Treasurer - Frank Lieble
Secretary - Connie Anderson
Past President - Rob Landry
Directors
Mabel Burridge
Melissa Weisman
Maggie Winter
Section Leaders
Soprano – Karolyn Campbell
Alto - Jan Meyer
Tenor - Alan Ott
Bass - Mark Fehrenbach
History
William “Bill” Jarvis, a prominent Orlando music director, formed the Messiah Choral Society in 1973 with the belief that Handel's Messiah was a masterpiece worthy of a group dedicated solely to performing it. He noted that such choirs were a tradition throughout England, Handel's adopted home and resting place, as well as prominent in major cities in the United States, and that the citizens of Central Florida deserved a Messiah Choir of their own. MCS was incorporated in 1975, and granted 501(c)(3) status in 1977, solidifying the ability of the Society to continue in its mission as a community cultural organization.
The inaugural season was hosted at Killarney Baptist Church in Winter Park for rehearsals as well as the first performance on December 2, 1973. That program was limited to “Part I” plus the “Hallelujah” chorus due to a limited four-week rehearsal schedule. Over the next several years additional choruses and solos were learned and added into subsequent programs. Due to its popularity, in 1975 the annual performance was held in the Orlando Municipal Auditorium, later renamed Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, where MCS continued to perform for decades. Over time our concert has become considered the kick-off to the local holiday season and is the longest-running free arts performance in the area. Since our 50th Anniversary, performances have been given in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Choir robes were the initial concert attire, with a black and white uniform adopted over time, transitioning to all-black attire with red accessories (floral brooches for women, neckties for men) since 2022.
Dr. John Sinclair became the music director in 1988, building on the successes of the Society's early history. For decades Rollins College has graciously hosted our rehearsals. In recent years, MCS has creatively engaged with the community by participating in food drives, hosting sing-alongs, singing by invitation at events, and bringing holiday cheer to travelers at Orlando International Airport. For 2020, a virtual performance was produced in collaboration with Rollins College, including a virtual choir of the “Hallelujah” chorus made up of individual videos submitted remotely by choir members.
MCS is a volunteer organization, governed by a board elected from its membership. Although the community choir is unauditioned, each singer brings a passion for this great oratorio, and MCS continues to present a high-quality performance accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists each year.
Throughout its history, MCS has enjoyed the support of the community and has formed a variety of collaborative relationships with other organizations. For the first 15 years, the Sentinel Star newspaper (now Orlando Sentinel) fully sponsored the annual performance. When that sponsorship ended, the Society responded to the need for independence by developing an organizational structure that has continued to evolve to maintain the Society’s viability. Over the years, individuals, foundations, and corporations have made generous donations. For a new source of revenue starting in 1995, advertisements have been sold in the performance program.
Messiah Choral Society is committed to our mission, this community, and carrying our legacy into the future for another 50 years and beyond. With continued attendance at our performances and financial support from our donors, we will continue sharing Messiah for generations to come.