Annual Messiah performance is December 1

A San Juan County Christmas tradition continues this weekend with the 43rd annual local performance of Handel’s Messiah.
The 2023 performance of Messiah will be presented on Sunday, December 1 at 7 p.m. in the Blanding Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 88 West 800 North.
There is no charge for the multi-denominational event.
The music of George Frideric Handel is an eagerly anticipated Christmas tradition in the area, bringing musicians, singers and musical fans from across the region.
The local performances first began in the 1970s and continued uninterrupted until 2020, when the COVID pandemic caused a two-year break. In 2022, the production returned.
Thirty-six choir members and a 30-piece orchestra are slated to perform, along with several soloists. 
In addition to the choral pieces, solos are performed by Russell Pincock, Denver Smith, Bret Peterson, Emily Boyle, Lorelei Andrews, Ellen Nerdin, Maci Beyeler, Jill Pearson, Shauna Black, Emily Lowrey, Trenton Duke and Carl Hunt.
The performance is conducted by Timothy Harrison, Concert Mistress Kristan Smith, and organist Steve Black.