Journalist Gwen Ifill and 173 Voices Feature of Handel's Messiah on December 4

WASHINGTON—Journalist Gwen Ifill and a cast of gifted vocalists, instrumentalists and a 173- voice choir will be featured when Handel’s Messiah is presented at the newly-renovated Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, 1518 M Street N.W. on Sunday, December 4 at 5 p.m.

In celebration of Metropolitan’s l73rd Anniversary Season, 173 “Connectional” voices -- singers from various denominations, high school and college students, and the Metropolitan Arts Partners Program —will perform the beloved oratorio by George Frideric Handel. Metropolitan is the denomination’s National Cathedral of African Methodism.

Ms. Ifill, one of the nation’s leading journalists, is moderator and managing editor of "Washington Week" and senior correspondent for "The PBS NewsHour” and will serve as moderator. The presentation, which marks the beginning of the Advent Season, will be webcast for the first time.

Metropolitan’s presentation of this Christmas classic was begun 35 years ago during the pastorate of the late Bishop Robert Pruitt. In commemoration of this event, his son, Robert Pruitt II, will be acknowledged during the presentation. After the recital, he will sign copies of his book about his father, “It Is Well With My Soul,” and give 25% of sales to the church.

Rev. Ronald E. Braxton, senior pastor, said the entire Washington community is invited to this annual event. “Over the past decades, Metropolitan has helped to usher in this highlight of the Christmas season and we look forward to persons from across the Greater Washington area sharing this spectacular joy with us.”

Dr. Lester S. Green, Jr., who has performed with the Washington National Opera and is Minister of Music at Metropolitan A.M.E., will conduct the performance which will be accompanied by the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra will accompany.