Dear Messiah Singers, 11/5/25
It’s November! Here’s the update for this year’s Messiah Festival.
Saturday, December 6, 2025 – 12:15–5:15 pm
Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church, 25 Main St, Peterborough, NH
James Sharrock will be returning as our Music Director. We are thrilled that the Apple Hill String Quartet is also returning, joined by Peter Sykes, organist, and Sheldon Ross, trumpet. There are both new and familiar faces/voices among our soloists: Jennifer Bates (soprano), Pamela Stevens (alto), Kirk Bobowski (tenor), Nick Tocci (bass). Jody Simpson will lead the choral warm-up, with Cheryl Sharrock accompanying.
Musical Information for singers
Singer Registration is 12:00-12:25. Chorus Rehearsal 12:30--3:30 (with 2 breaks). Concert at 4:00 pm. Singers perform from the balcony of the Sanctuary, which is only accessible by stairs with railings. The main floor of the church building (including restrooms) is fully accessible by stairs or elevator from the rear door. Bring your own water & snacks. We ask that you review/rehearse the music on your own, and be quite familiar with the seven pieces we’ll be singing. Think of this as a DRESS REHEARSAL and then the concert! Please be prepared. Time is short.
Scores: We have scores to share or bring your own—Schirmer Edition preferred. If you are using a different score, please NUMBER YOUR MEASURES and/or get rehearsal letters from a friend with Schirmer edition-- for rehearsal reference! Many churches have this score in their music library; it can also be ordered online. Contact Peggy (email at end) if you would like to pick up a loaner score to rehearse ahead of time.
These are the 7 choruses we will be singing:
o #4 And the glory of
o #7 And he shall purify
o #9B O thou that tellest
o #12 For unto us a child is born
o #17 Glory to God
o #53C Amen (from letter F in Schirmer score on)
o #44 Hallelujah Chorus
Rehearsal CD or downloads: rehearsalarts.com (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO LEARN/REVIEW YOUR PART) http://rehearsalarts.com/Handel_Messiah_30.html
The Money Part To continue this festival with professional musicians leading and accompanying us during the holiday season, we ask singers and others to help. We are grateful to the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church, which has again donated use of their facilities to us for the day!
Singer Contribution: suggest $25--$75 sliding scale. Students are free! Pay what you are able please. No one will be turned away. We can accept contributions at registration December 6th, or via Paypal ahead of time (see below)
To meet expenses while keeping a flexible singer fee, we need to raise an additional $1200. If you wish to make a contribution to the festival now, your contribution will be recognized in the concert program. You can also make a donation on Dec 6th.
Please send your check to: Friends of Messiah, c/o Peter Johnson, Treasurer, 110 General Miller Rd., Peterborough, NH 03458
OR Contribute via PayPal to “friendsofmessiahptbo@gmail.com” (send to “a friend”—Peter Johnson). THANK YOU!
Performance Attire: red/white/black, appropriate for the historic church setting. No hats.
** RSVP: use this google form link https://forms.gle/2TmwhxPvxwB1Lfsw6
Or email friendsofmessiahptbo@gmail.com to let us know that you are planning to sing with us (and what vocal part).
Publicity—Forward this email to invite your singing friends. All are welcome!
SHARE the Messiah Facebook event with everyone on your friend list! facebook.com/MessiahPbro. Our poster this year was designed by Keene State student Jaimielee Lamarre.
Everyone is invited for the FREE 4:00 pm concert (donations welcomed). Concert is 70 minutes long–and finishes in time for the Children’s Lantern parade (downtown Ptbo).
Contact Peggy at peggy.brown252@gmail.com with questions, email address corrections OR if you wish to be deleted from the email list for this year’s festival (or forever).
We look forward to sharing this musical tradition with you in December!
Messiah Steering Committee: Joy Flemming, David Flemming, Miriam Sharrock, Pamela Stevens, Carol Hamilton, Peter Johnson, Peggy Brown, Jim Sharrock
Questions? Email us: friendsofmessiahptbo@gmail.com