MODESTO - The fifth consecutive year that local singers will gather to participate in a sing-along performance of Handel’s “Messiah” takes place Sunday, Nov. 18.

The community-wide event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 4 p.m. at Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road in Modesto.

Scheduled again for the Sunday before Thanksgiving, “It’s a great way to kick off the Holiday season,” said event organizer, Denise Nordell. “Singers come from throughout the region and beyond to sing with us. We’re especially happy that all of our talented soloists will be returning for our fifth-anniversary event.”

Whether you’ve sung “Messiah” once or a hundred times, or just enjoyed listening to it from the audience or on your CD player, the “Messiah” sing-along gives singers at all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy the experience of sharing music together.

In addition to a dozen well-known choruses, the assemblage will also get to sing some of the solos. “If you’ve always secretly wanted to sing a solo part in the “Messiah,” this is your chance,” said Dr. Ginger Covert Colla, who will again conduct the performance. Colla has selected several traditional solos to be sung by the chorus, including “Comfort Ye,” “He Shall Feed His Flock,” and “Come Unto Him.”

Grace Brummel will accompany on the organ.  Soloists include Linda Carter and Dawn Peterson (sopranos), Jennifer Champeaux (alto) Bruce Merchant (tenor) and Richard Colla (bass).

Singers are encouraged to bring their own scores; however, copies will be available to borrow. For more information, call (209) 765-6388.