Grace Church hosts ‘Messiah’ sing-along in tribute to 282nd anniversary of oratorio’s world premiere

The public will have the chance this Saturday to join voices in a sing-along of Handel’s “Messiah” on the 282nd anniversary of the beloved oratorio’s world premiere in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13, 1742. The Sing Along will also be the occasion for Flatbush native and acclaimed choral conductor Judith Clurman to return to Brooklyn with her ensemble Essential Voices USA for this event at the landmark Grace Church Brooklyn Heights.

Clurman got the inspiration for the “Messiah” anniversary event during a trip she and her husband took to Dublin some years ago, noting composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed his own version of “Messiah,” having loved that work. “It’s a magical score,” said Clurman, who pointed out that it premiered during the Easter (spring) season, even though “Messiah” has become a mainstay of the Christmas season.

Grace Church will host the Sing Along at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, April 13, with its longtime organist and choirmaster, Paul Richard Olson, accompanying on the parish’s Austin pipe organ. The Sing Along will feature selected choral selections and solo arias from the famed oratorio. Guest artists include soprano Elisa Singer Strom, alto Helen Karloski, tenor Paul D’Arcy, and bass Benjamin Howard.