Handel's Messiah

November 21, 2025 — 7:00 PM to
November 22, 2025 — 2:00 PM

Bethel Lutheran Church

312 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI 53703

A Family Holiday Tradition

Kicking off the holiday season early, join the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Festival Choir of Madison for a favorite holiday tradition. Written in just 24 days by George Frideric Handel, Messiah is considered the most performed classical piece of music worldwide. Although based on religious texts, the message remains universal, and Handel intended it to be performed in the concert hall. For this performance, the orchestra and choir are joined by Sarah Lawrence, soprano; Sadie Cheslak, alto; Gene Stenger, tenor; and Andrew Garland, baritone.

Ticket sales for Friday, November 21 at 7:30 PM will close at 12:00 PM on the day of the performance.
Ticket sales for Saturday, November 22 at 2:00 PM will close at 8:00 AM on the day of the performance.

After sales close, tickets will be available at the door at Bethel Lutheran Church before each performance. All sales at Bethel Lutheran will be cashless, but cash donations are always welcome.

SOLOISTS
Sarah Lawrence, soprano
Sadie Cheslak, alto – 2025 Grand Finalist of the Metropolitan Opera's Laffont Competition
Gene Stenger, tenor
Andrew Garland, baritone

Soloist Biographies

About the Festival Choir of Madison

Under the artistic direction of Sergei Pavlov, Festival Choir of Madison is an auditioned, mixed-voice choir of over 50 experienced singers. For over 50 years, the Festival Choir has been making memories for generations by providing thematic concerts centered on artistically challenging music ranging from traditional, modern, to eclectic works. Individual choral performances for the 2024-2025 season include the Christmas concert “Navidad Nuestra” with music by Ariel Ramírez on Sunday, December 15th at 3:00 PM at Asbury Church, 6101 University Ave in Madison, and “Circle of Life,” a concert with works inspired by Native-American poetry on Saturday, March 8, 7:30 PM at the new WYSO Center for Music, 1118 E. Washington Ave, Madison. For tickets and more information about the season, click the button below.

Festival Choir of Madison Tickets & Info