Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is putting on the seventh annual production of Handel’s Messiah with performances in five locations including a special opening concert in the St. Gall Catholic Church in Gardnerville.

Messiah was first performed in Dublin, Ireland, on March 23, 1742, and was conducted by its composer. It continues to be a masterpiece that has left audiences in awe for 273 years.

The TOCCATA production is a celebration of the holidays and includes not only favorite selections from Messiah Parts One and Three, but also seasonal carols that the audience will be most welcome to join in singing.

The first performance is Dec. 6 at 7pm at St. Gall Church in Gardnerville (1343 Centerville Lane/ 775.782.2852), where TOCCATA will be joined by the local community singers.

The next two performances are Dec. 11 a 7pm at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Incline Village and the first classical concert to be performed in the new Grace Church Sanctuary on Dec. 13 at 7pm (1220 Robb Drive, Reno/775.747.9000).

The final two presentations will be Dec. 15 at 3pm at St. Theresa Catholic Church, (1041 Lyons Ave., South Lake Tahoe/530.544.3533)and Dec. 18 at 7pm in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (501 California Ave., Reno/775. 329.0696).

The Messiah series marks the completion of TOCCATA’s eighth season.

Joining the TOCCATA Orchestra and Chorus for this production are soloists Joy Strotz, Anna Helwing and Jennifir Tibben, sopranos; Stephanie Dixon and Maryanne Ashley, mezzo soprano, Chris Nelson and Albert Lee, tenors, and Stuart Duke and Ryan Ashley, baritones. The TOCCATA Children’s Chorus from South Lake Tahoe, directed by Bonnie Turnball, will perform at three of the concerts. The TOCCATA Chamber Orchestra features Louis Steptoe as concertmaster; David Brock, Tracy Beaver and Nick Haines as continuo; and Mark Lord, William van Meter and Dawyne Hollenbach on Baroque trumpets.

All performances will be conducted by maestro James Rawie.

Tickets are available at the door or online. General admission to all concerts is $25 adults, $20 seniors, $5 students aged 19 to 23 with valid ID. Preferred seating is $35 and $15 for youth/students. A grant from the two local foundations, allows all youth under 19 years of age to be admitted free to all regular season concerts in 2013.