George Frideric Handel’s oratorio has become a holiday classic. In chronological order, here are some local performances. (Please check websites for pandemic-related health guidelines.)
Valley Concert Chorale: The Tri-Valley’s longtime chorus hosts its annual Sing-It-Yourself Messiah with accompanist Dan Glover, artistic director John Bush and professional soloists. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, $15, Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Ave., Livermore, valleyconcertchorale.org
Handel’s Sing it Yourself Messiah: The Golden Gate Orchestra and Chorus’ annual participatory event showcases soloists Yi Triplett, Lisa van der Ploeg, William Wiggins and Andrew Pardini. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, $25-$45, Benicia Clock Tower, 1189 Washington St., Benicia, cityboxoffice.com
San Francisco Symphony and Chorus: Masaaki Suzuki conducts and directs Handel’s masterwork, with solo vocalists Lauren Snouffer, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, Leif Aruhn-Solén and Jonathon Adams. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9-10, $35-$165, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F., sfsymphony.org
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale: With musicians playing on period instruments, PBO Music Director Richard Egarr leads the classic joined by top-flight soloists. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, $32-$120, Bing Concert Hall, Stanford University, https://live.stanford.edu/
American Bach Soloists: American Bach Choir and ABS period-instrument specialists perform “Messiah” in the majestic church setting, under direction by Jeffrey Thomas, with soloists Maya Kherani, soprano; Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, countertenor; James Reese, tenor; and Christian Pursell, bass-baritone. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-16, $25-$125, Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St., S.F., americanbach.org
Messiah Sing Along/Play Along: Presented by Stanford’s Music Department, Stephen Sano conducts the annual concert, a campus favorite, with orchestral parts provided and scores for singers to buy at the door. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, $13-$23 (ticket sales online only), Memorial Church, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford University, http://sto.stanfordtickets.org/
Schola Cantorum Silicon Valley: The 100-voice choir led by Buddy James performs its 56th annual sing-along “Messiah.” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, $30, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 13716 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga, scholacantorum.org