Triangle Citizens Gather For Annual Messiah Sing-In

Over 1,000 singers came together to sing and enjoy Handel's "Messiah" for the 22nd Annual Messiah Sing-In on Friday, December 7, 2001, at the Edenton Street United Methodist Church in downtown Raleigh. The event brought together citizens from all over the Triangle, even pulling its soloists from all across the area, to join with the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra in this musical holiday tradition.

The audience becomes the chorus at the Messiah Sing-In, joining in the annual singing of Handel's masterpiece. Alan Neilson, Conductor of the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra, served as conductor for the evening of music. Soloists included Durham's Joyce Baldwin, Soprano, and David Wiehle, Tenor, from the Raleigh Oratorio Society's professional Chamber Choir; Raleigh's Sharon Stith, Mezzo-Soprano, a former member of The Cary Concert Singers and the Raleigh Oratorio Society; and Raleigh's Bill Williams, Bass, a soloist for the Opera Company of North Carolina.

WRAL-TV Reporter Dan Wilkinson emceed the event, and the Wesley Handbell Choir provided musical entertainment as guests arrive. WRAL-TV and Capitol Broadcasting Company sponsor the Messiah Sing-In. The audience/chorus needed only bring a non-perishable food item for admission. All donations went to the Raleigh Urban Ministry Center, who will distribute the food to needy area families during the Christmas season.