Seasonal Favorite to Be Presented by Brandon Choral Society Dec. 11

The Brandon Choral Society will present the quintessential holiday oratorio at Southside Baptist Church, 415 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.

The choir, made up of members from area churches, will treat the audience to Handel's "Messiah" for the fourth year.

The all-volunteer Brandon Choral Society is directed by well-known conductor Robert Romanski, currently director of music ministries at Ruskin United Methodist Church, music director of the Tampa Bay Opera and music director of the Mostly Pops Orchestra.

Joining him is the society's assistant music director and organist, Chris Westfall. Westfall is currently the director of music ministries at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Valrico.

Members of the society come from Southside Baptist, Ruskin United Methodist, Lakeside Presbyterian, Brandon First Baptist, Seffner Presbyterian, Westminster Presbyterian, Christ the King Lutheran, Sun City Methodist, First Presbyterian, Brandon First United Methodist, Christ Community in Apollo Beach, St. Stephen Catholic, WestTown Church, Unity of Tampa, The Crossing, Baylife Church and Bell Shoals Baptist churches.

"Messiah" is an English language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer.

It was first performed in Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 1742, and received its premiere in London a year later.

It has since become one of the best-known choral works.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Dr., Brandon, and at Southside Baptist Church.