Christmas is a time of year for traditions like helping out at the soup kitchen, going to midnight Mass, paying a visit to Grandma’s house and smelling the Christmas ham in the oven. One of the most common Christmas Traditions for many people is going to hear Handel’s “Messiah.”

Last Sunday, Dec. 12, the Mercyhurst College Concert Choir was joined by alumni and a full orchestra to perform Handel’s “Messiah” in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC).

The musical festivities began with the Mercyhurst College Saxophone Quartet playing on the stairs in the PAC lobby. The quartet then opened the performance with three seasonal pieces.

Rebecca Ryan then took the stage and the Mercyhurst College Concert Choir and holiday orchestra performed the famous “Messiah” by Handel.

For sophomore music education major Adam Ferrari, it’s all special.

“I love everything about this time of year, and to me, singing the “Messiah” makes me realize that Christmas really is here,” he said.

Those soloists chosen to sing at the concert were very talented musicians and singers.

Senior soloist Lynn Dula said, “After graduation I plan on performing Oratorios, so to have the opportunity to sing such a celebrated piece in a space like the PAC with full orchestra is extra special to me.”

All around, the performance made for an enjoyable afternoon filled with music and the Christmas spirit.

The concert choir will also be performing Handel’s “Messiah” alongside the Mercyhurst College Carpe Diem Choir at the Mercyhurst North East Chapel today at 7:30 p.m.