The Aspen Choral Society wasn’t going to let the Christmas season pass without its annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” a Roaring Fork Valley tradition now in its 43rd year.
In this pandemic year, a “Messiah 360” performance will take place this year as a virtual choir event on YouTube. The Aspen Choral Society has been performing the holiday favorite in Aspen, Basalt and Glenwood Springs since 1977.
Music director Paul Dankers led the initiative to craft the virtual experience.
“We knew we had to do something unique to maintain our long tradition of ‘Messiah’ performances while also doing our part to keep our singers and community safe,” Dankers said in an announcement. “‘Messiah’ is not only a local holiday favorite, but an essential experience for our outstanding vocal and instrumental musicians. We couldn’t miss it because of COVID.”