The Washington Chorale, directed by Shirley Gunter and made up of 42 Wilkes County singers, is rehearsing for the presentation of Handel's oratorio, Messiah, to be presented on Sunday evening, November 25, at 8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church.

The performance is sponsored by the Washington-Wilkes Arts Foundation. It will be accompanied by an eight-piece chamber orchestra from Augusta, as well as the harpsichord played by Jo Randall and the organ played by Anne Myers.

"All selections in this Handel oratorio are exciting and wonderful as they tell of the birth of Jesus Christ," says Director Gunter. "One of the solos is the beautiful Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion, an exciting and moving piece sung by well-known soprano, Shay Harris."

Admission is free; however, anyone wanting to make a donation may do so at the door after the performance. Donations to the Arts Foundation are tax deductible.

"This will be a thrilling way to begin the Christmas celebration," Gunter concluded.