Annual Sing-Along Becomes Messiah Festival

For Terry Danne, the traditional sing-along had become traditionally unfulfilling.

“It would be fun for a few minutes,” Danne said, “and then I would begin to miss the finesse of doing it better.”

So, this holiday season, Danne decided to start a new tradition: The Messiah Festival, which will be held Saturday night at Pierce College in Woodland Hills.

Danne, conductor of the Los Angeles Pierce College Philharmonic Choir and the Premier Chorale, asked members of other San Fernando Valley choirs to join his singers in the oratorio by composer George Frideric Handel. The program will also feature Gian Carlo Menotti’s opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”

“It will give people a little more of a musical experience,” Danne said. “People will be able to get more into the spirit of the performance. We thought we’d bring the sing-along back to the stage a bit.”

Danne said three rehearsals were held in recent weeks for individuals and members of other groups to coordinate with his choir. His group, composed of students, professionals and volunteers, rehearses one evening a week on campus. In all, about 60 singers will lead the oratorio.

Audience members are invited to bring scores and sing along with the chorale and orchestra during the choruses, Danne said. Soloists will be sopranos Charlene Capetillo, Donna Newton and Iris Prcic, alto Jennifer Wallace, tenor Bill Clark and basses Michael Booker and Jason Daniel.

The opera, Danne said, traces the meaning of Christmas through the Three Wise Men’s visit with a crippled shepherd boy on their way to Bethlehem to see the Christ child. Written in 1956, the opera has become one of the most popular works performed during the holiday season.

For Nancy Fontana, who plays the role of the crippled boy’s mother, rehearsing the opera coincided with renewed religious faith.

“I’m so near tears in rehearsals,” Fontana said, “because this is the story of my life. My son and I went through very hard times when my ex-husband left us, and recently I have found my faith again.”

Fontana said the opera can be enjoyed by a wide range of listeners.

“It’s a great introduction to opera,” Fontana said, “because it’s so accessible. People should bring their children. It’s a wonderful Christmas story about the miracle of God.”

The Messiah Festival will be held at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Pierce College Performing Arts Building Main Stage Theatre, 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills. Tickets are $10 general admission; $8 for students and seniors. Call (818) 998-4551.