Iowans can get in on the act as music accompanies this holiday season. Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines hosts a “Celebrate and Sing Messiah” performance Sunday. Minister of Music Randy Buikema says for many people it’s a personal tradition. The congregation and audience will make up the chorus. Symphony orchestras, fine-arts groups, schools and churches across the nation and in many Iowa towns hold sing-along events featuring the stirring music every holiday season. Des Moines Community Orchestra will provide accompaniment and professional singers will do solo pieces, while those who come to sing along sit on the main floor of the sanctuary and listeners will sit in the balcony. Buikema says the Messiah is probably the most popular classical Christmas music, and is familiar to many.Buikema says many have sung parts of the piece, in high school or college choirs, and they enjoy the opportunity to sing it again. The sing-along is at three Sunday afternoon at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines.
