About Elgin Sing-Along Messiah

WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

Celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Sing. Be part of a special community celebration as our audience chorus!
Give. Support Elgin residents in need. Ticket sales and freewill donations benefit a local charity.

2024 Charity Beneficiary

We are pleased to announce that proceeds from the 2024 Elgin Sing-Along Messiah will benefit PADS of Elgin.

PADS of Elgin is a 24/7 congregate shelter serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Elgin, Hanover, Dundee, and Rutland Townships. The nonprofit organization, which has been serving Elgin since 1989, provides a safe place to sleep year-round, along with showers, laundry facilities, three meals daily, snacks, clothing, shoes, basic necessities, and comprehensive case management. In FY24, PADS of Elgin served 144 guests, including 35% women, 64% men, and 0.6% non-binary individuals. Additionally, 28% were under 18, and 15% were fleeing domestic violence.

Join us in the spirit of celebrating, singing, and giving by making a donation now to PADS of Elgin.

Committee

A committee of Elgin residents, musicians, and professionals donate their time to coordinate Elgin Sing-Along Messiah:

2024 Co-Chairs:

Marc Thayer, CEO, Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Matthew Sheppard, Director, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra

Committee members:

Warren Anderson, Demoss Center for the Peforming Arts (Judson University)

Eric Gaston, Elgin Symphony Orchestra

Jeff Grosser

Maria Kanyova, Midwest Opera Theater

Mally Miceli, CEO Lifestyle Options, Inc. (retired)

How We Began

Elgin resident Mally Miceli came up with the idea for a locally produced Sing-Along Messiah after traveling to Chicago’s Do-It-Yourself Messiah for years. A supporter of the Elgin arts community, Mally realized that the Northwest suburbs have a wealth of musical and vocal talent that could be showcased through a community sing-along. She also was aware of the increased need many area charities face during the holiday season. Thus, the idea to create the Greater Elgin Sing-Along Messiah was formed – to give the community a place to celebrate the start of the holiday season, embrace the spirit of giving, and be an active participant in the performance.

About Handel's Messiah

It’s all about the connection to England’s first children’s charity!

Handel’s beloved Messiah would most likely not thrive or even be known if it wasn’t for Foundling Hospital in London and it’s children’s charity established in 1739.

Since it’s interesting inception, the Messiah has become a cornerstone holiday tradition for communities around the world.

In line with this historical connection, the concept for The Greater Elgin Messiah Sing-Along would be to celebrate the act of giving. The idea of providing funds to the needy with the help of musical presentations is not new but always timely. Music has the ability to raise up and open hearts to suffering.