Sobeys LIVE @ the Centre presents an afternoon celebrating of one of the most enduring pieces of music in the Western choral tradition. On Sunday, November 27 at 2:30 p.m., the Confederation Singers, orchestra, and four guest soloists perform Handel’s Messiah, the Baroque-era oratorio that celebrates the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Written in 1741, Messiah is the most famous creation of German composer George Frederic Handel, and its performance still awes listeners more than 250 years after the composer’s death. Ludwig van Beethoven himself, citing Messiah, said that Handel was the “greatest composer that ever lived.”

The concert is an annual tradition at Confederation Centre of the Arts, led by Choral Music Director Donald Fraser. Joining the Centre’s adult choir this year the guest vocalists include: mezzo-soprano Suzanne Campbell, soprano Shannon Scales, baritone Parker Clements, and tenor Sébastien Comtois.

Scales and Campbell, both of Charlottetown, have previously performed Messiah with the Centre’s Choral Programme, while this marks the debut guest performance for fellow Islander, Clements of West Cape. Also making his first performance with the Centre is Montreal’s Comtois, an operatic tenor currently studying at the Université de Montréal with renowned baritone John Fanning.

The Confederation Singers include 75 members this year from across the community. The Singers present an interesting and varied program of music throughout the year, performing seasonal concerts on local stages and at a variety of events. Other concerts include Choral Music on a Holy Day and the popular holiday tradition Sing Along Messiah, where the audience is invited to participate.

Handel’s Messiah will be presented on Sunday, November 29 at 2:30 p.m., in the Homburg Theatre of Confederation Centre of the Arts. Tickets are $25 and are available at the door, at Confederation Centre’s box office, online at confederationcentre.com, or via phone at 902-566-1267 (toll free at 1-800-565-0278).

Special thanks are extended to Maritime Electric, sponsors for the Centre’s Choral Music Programme, and Sobeys, the title sponsor for LIVE @ the Centre! Media sponsors are The Guardian, Ocean 100, and Hot 105.5.