Music Conservatory of Cd'A to present 'Messiah' at NIC

When German-born, English composer George Frideric Handel first debuted his oratorio, "Messiah," the year was 1742.

Jonathan Kandell with Smithsonian Magazine said the audience for that show on April 13 at the Musick Hall in Dublin "swelled to a record 700, as ladies had heeded pleas by management to wear dresses 'without hoops' in order to make 'room for more company.'"

Fast forward 280 years and now "Messiah" is considered by many to be a staple of the holiday season.

Audiences will have the opportunity to hear this Christmas masterpiece performed live early next month, presented by the Music Conservatory of Coeur d'Alene.

All are welcome to attend "Messiah" at 3 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Schuler Performing Arts Center at North Idaho College. The show is free, but donations will be accepted.

Visit cdaconservatory.org for details.