The Messiah

What a treat this past December 28th to go with many of the other senior couples to Moscow to the Dome Musica, a beautiful concert hall, to witness  and listen to Handel's Messiah in its entirety.

What a treat! What professionalism! There were about 20 people in the instrument section, with instruments ranging from a piano, 3 basoons, trumpet-like instrument, violins, flutes, etc. To say there were wonderful is such an understatement.

The choir consisted of about 20 individuals along with 4 soloists, a bass, tenor, and alto (all men) and a soprano. They sat to the right of the choir and when it was their turn to perform, they walked to the front of the stage and sang. Magnificent!

We were seated on the second tier and we had a birds eye view of the band and choir and the very energetic and entertaining director. He knew every word of the production and it was fun watching him. Everyone was in total sync with each other. It was a sight to behold.

The most amazing and surprising thing of all was that this talented, professional group of Russian individuals sang this in flawless English. What a treat to hear it in our own tongue. It sends shivers down my spine as I remember the Hallelujah Chorus. All of the missionaries stood as it was being sung and about 1/3 of the audience joined us as they sang of the Savior's birth.

What a beautiful tribute "The Messiah" is to the birth and life of Jesus Christ. It was truly a most wonderful way to celebrate this sacred time of year. As these people sang, I wondered if they really understood what it was they were saying as they bore testimony of Jesus Christ through song. I imagine they must have felt something as they praised God through song.

Three hours of heavenly music. It made the icy sidewalks and difficulty getting there and back all worth it! MERRY CHRISTMAS Everyone.