December 08, 2025

Handel's Messiah, a perennial favourite with West Grey audiences

Michael Schmidt Conductor & Music Director directs the performers at Knox United Church. Elizabeth Lepock - Soprano, Autumn Debassige - Mezzo Soprano, Matt Chittick- Tenor, James Westman - Baritone. Photo: Lynn Silverton

BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — A series of Handel's Messiah concerts were performed this past weekend in West Grey. It was the 4oth anniversary of the Saugeen Bach Choir’s first performance of the Messiah in 1985 under the direction of its founder Michael Schmidt. On Friday and again on Saturday, two concerts (Parts I and II) were held in the barn at the picturesque Glencolton Farm.

The concerts kicked off the Christmas season with a weekend of European-style festivities at the Christkindl Market, which is hosted annually at the farm, this year on December 5-6. A tradition which dates back 700 years, the Glencolton event highlights barnyard animals, unique local vendors and lots of old-fashioned country charm. The Christkindl Market is a fundraiser to benefit the Grey Bruce Hospice — Chapman House. The tradition of Christkindl Market dates back to the Middle Ages where city streets or town squares were transformed to street markets during the four weeks of Advent.

The choir and orchestra at Knox United Church. Photo: Lynn Silverton

The third concert (Part III) was held on Sunday evening at Knox United Church on Garafraxa street in Durham. "A wonderful, wonderful evening for all. Never have I experienced Handel's Messiah played and sung so beautifully," said concert-goer and Grey Highlands resident Lynn Silverton.

Ever since Victorian times, Handel's Messiah has been a Christmas staple, featuring the iconic 'Hallelujah' chorus, where audiences rise — a custom supposedly started by King George II at the 1743 London premiere.

 

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