Scratch Messiah

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A Scratch Messiah (also known as a People's Messiah) is an unrehearsed, informal performance of Handel's Messiah. This has become a tradition among music lovers in the English-speaking world, and appears to be developing a following in the Netherlands too.

Often a Sing-along Messiah is organised in a concert hall or church, where a choir has rehearsed the music, but the public are invited to bring scores and join in. On a smaller scale, a Messiah party may take the form of a group of friends gathered around the piano in someone's home, and this is typically sung entirely a prima vista.

Usually these are informal events, though occasionally there is a dress code: formal concert dress or even 18th century period costume. Frequently these events are held during Advent, and often they are associated with fund-raising for charitable purposes.

One particularly famous instance of this is the LaSalle Bank Do-It-Yourself Messiah held in Chicago at the Civic Opera House. There is a volunteer orchestra and hired soloists, and the audience serves as the chorus. [1]

Similarly, CAMMAC in Canada organizes "Come! Sing Messiah" events. [2]

Supporting this, are sites on the web to help people learn their parts. [3]