Annual 'Messiah' performed this weekend

Singers from 15 to 80 years of age will gather for the third annual Handel's “Messiah” concert this weekend.

The Yuma Ecumenical Choir of about 100 members this year will be accompanied by nearly 50 members of the Yuma Civic Orchestra.

“We have folks who have sung ‘Messiah' many times, and several people who are singing it for the first time,” said director Brandon Stroup.

“It's a neat experience to see everyone interact with one another and come together to make such beautiful music. I think that's one of the great benefits of music — in that it brings people together, regardless of age, race or background. It has been a wonderful group to work with this year.”

The performances will be Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Gila Ridge High School Auditorium, 7150 E. 24th St.

Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at Fretworks Music Store, 1150 S. Castle Dome Ave., and at Gila Mountain Methodist Church, 12716 North Frontage Road. Tickets will also be available at the Gila Ridge Performing Arts Center Box Office one hour prior to the start of each concert.

“Each year that I have been in Yuma, I hear people say that there is ‘nothing to do,'” said Stroup. “However, the arts are a prominent part of this community so we simply need to make more effort to get out to see the performances that are in town.

“I think most people will be pleasantly surprised by the talent they see or hear. The performance of ‘Messiah' is no exception. The singers and instrumentalists truly do an incredible job and hearing a performance of Handel's ‘Messiah' is not only a wonderful cultural experience, but also a great way to launch into the Christmas season.”

Sarah Womer can be reached at swomer@yumasun.com or 539-6858. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSSarahWomer or on Twitter at @YSSarahWomer.