There is a crispness in the air, the days have become shorter, football has started up again, and for more than 200 local musicians it’s time to warm up their voices, embouchures and fingers to get ready for Sunday evening “Messiah” rehearsals.  

Marking the 24th year of welcoming the holiday season, the recently formed Holladay Community Messiah Foundation and the Salt Lake Holladay Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in cooperation with the Holladay Interfaith Council, are inviting members of the community to participate in this annual presentation of highlights from George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah”.It will be performed on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Olympus High School Performing Arts Center. All community members, regardless of religious affiliation, are invited to attend. There is no charge and tickets are not required. Children, ages eight and older are welcome.

Singers and instrumentalists of all faiths, from Holladay and beyond, join each year to prepare and present this musical gift to the community.  Jack Ashton returns as director, with Sonja Sperling as choir master and co-conductor. 

Rehearsals will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday evenings, beginning November 1 at the Holladay LDS Stake Center, 4568 Holladay Boulevard.  Interested musicians, high school age and older, are invited to participate.  Potential orchestra members should contact Melony Hamilton at 801-272-8347.  Singers and those seeking more information should contact David or Eunice Black at 801-809-3455 or 801-277-3455.  

Continuing a new tradition, Holladay Art for the Holidays, displays of fine seasonal art, as well as small groups performing music of the season in the foyer and main hall, will greet attendees as they arrive.  Individuals wishing to make display items available, or to provide musical numbers, should contact John Quist at 801-277-0344.  All items will be safely displayed, and returned following the performance.  

Please visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/HolladayMessiah for additional information.