BRATTLEBORO — Friends of Music at Guilford invites singers and music lovers in the Tri-State region to come together at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, for the 46th annual Community Messiah Sing, a benefit for the homeless, at Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St.
Conductor Anthony Speranza, a resident of Vernon, led the Sing from 1989 through 2001 and again in 2010. His interest in conducting began as a six-year member of the St. Kilian Boychoir, and he later earned a bachelor's and a master's degree in conducting. He was vocal music teacher for the town of Brattleboro for many years.
William McKim, who has played the organ at this event for the past 28 seasons, and officially “retired” twice from doing so, now has his sights on continuing in this role as long as he can. Joyana Damon, in her 18h year as instrumental and classroom music teacher at Vernon Elementary School, and a performer with a number of Tri-State groups, will be featured on trumpet this season.
Vocal soloists this year - all Sing veterans - are soprano Elizabeth Wohl, alto Evelyn McLean, tenor James Anderson, and bass Cailin Marcel Manson, music director at The Putney School.
As many as 250 or more singers from the Tri-State region bring their copy of a Messiah vocal score, and others borrow one or buy one at the door. Copies are available in advance online or at regional music shops.
A number of others come simply for the beautiful music and to enjoy the rich sound of such an enormous choir. Water is the only beverage allowed in the sanctuary; a supply of bottled water is available for purchase at the door.
All door donations at the Sing since 2007 - a total of over $16,000 - have been given to the Groundworks Collaborative (formerly the Morningside Shelter and Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center) to support its programs serving the homeless at the holidays.
Downtown shoppers and Sing attendees are invited to bring donations of nonperishable food; winter clothing, outerwear, and blankets; and new, unwrapped toys for sending on to Groundworks after the Sing.
The Friends of Music Holiday Boutique is stocked with several series of Art Cards by local artists whose images have appeared on concert posters and season programs, a selection of CDs, and a variety of tote bags. Sales of these items support Friends of Music concert programs.