The last time Clair Leaman planned a "Messiah" Sing-along to be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, it was the spring of 2020. "We canceled that one," said Leaman, who, along with others, organizes the Sing-along at Westminster, as well as a Christmas event in Chester County. The Chester County presentation was held again in December of 2021. "We didn't know what to expect," said Leaman. "We had a pretty good turnout, and I was amazed because I had no idea what to expect after being gone for two years. The people are still with us and still wanting to sing."

The 23rd Messiah Sing-along will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, on Friday, April 22, at 7 p.m. Leaman will conduct the soloists, choir, and orchestra, and guest conductor Bruce Gerlach of Lancaster Bible College will conduct the "Hallelujah" chorus.

The sing-along is unique because area vocalists are invited to purchase or rent "Messiah" scores and then take part in the presentation. The event is also open to those who would just like to listen. The tradition has its roots in the founding of the Chester County Christian Chorale by Leaman in 1976. The Lancaster version of the sing-along, which only includes the second and third parts of Handel's "Messiah," began in 1998. "We start with 'Behold the Lamb of God,'" explained Leaman. At first, the concert was held at Neffsville Mennonite Church, but in the spring of 2000, it was moved to Westminster.

New soloists for the event are soprano Sarah Shafer and bass Steven Condy. Returning soloists are contralto Heidi Kurtz and tenor Timothy Bentch. Shafer has sung with the San Diego Opera and the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. Condy is on the roster of The Metropolitan Opera, as well as a number of national operas. Kurtz is a core member of the Philadelphia Singers and has performed solo with the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia. Bentch served as a missionary in Hungary, where he also sang at the Hungarian State Opera.

Frank Dodd, who oversees music at Westminster, has joined the board of the organization as special adviser to the director. He will play the harpsichord in the April 22 presentation.

Leaman recalled that more than 100 took part in the Christmas event. "Come as you are," he invited, noting that masks are optional. A freewill offering will be received.

Readers who would like more information may visit http://www.messiah-singalong.org.