George Frederick Handel’s Messiah is one of the most beloved and well-known works of the western art canon, revered by professionals, amateurs, and enthusiasts alike. Inspired by the baroque and oratorio festivals of New York City, Dublin, Halle-Germany, and London, the Music City Oratorio Festival offers a mix of performance, community music making, and in-depth conversation in a unique, Nashville-way.

Over the two-days, the festival provides opportunities to build vocal technique, music literacy, and performance practices. On day one, attendees will participate in vocal clinics led by leading music educators and practitioners. During lunch-and-learn, an esteemed panel of scholars in the areas of voice, choral conducting, music and world history will lead a discussion around various facets of Handel’s Messiah and early music. That evening, all are invited to a concert featuring some of the city’s emerging collegiate musicians and ensembles.

As the finale of the Music City Oratorio Festival, Early Music City in partnership with Christ Church Cathedral presents the 2025 Messiah Sing-Along on Sunday, November 16th at (time here). Whether joining both days or just for the sing-along, attendees will be engaged in a quality historically informed practice performance combined with the over century's long tradition of concert music in the African American church that produced voices like Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman, and Marian Anderson.

We are thrilled to have renowned conductor and bass-baritone, Dr. Marques Jerrell Ruff (Arkansas State University, formerly of Chanticleer) as our clinician and conductor. Under Dr. Ruff’s baton, the skillful and versatile players of Early Music City and choral attendees supported by featured, supporting ensemble, the acclaimed W. Crimm Singers.