One of the most popular works in the history of Western choral literature, Messiah comes to the local stage at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 at the Libby Memorial Center.

The presentation, directed by Lorraine Braun, is open to all with no admission charge. The event welcomes optional donations to help defray expenses.

Lincoln County musicians have been practicing the Messiah oratorio each Monday evening for the past several weeks. The singers will be accompanied by an orchestra made up of local instrumentalists playing violins, violas, cellos, flutes, French horns, clarinets, bassoons,  trumpets and pianist Jeanne Gentry.

An example of the musicians’ commitment to the production can be seen in a violinist who travels each week from Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Among the performers will be college students returning home during the holiday break.

Mitzi Smart, alto, said the singers and players are made up of volunteer high school students, men, women, old-timers and newcomers.

Messiah was composed over the summer of 1741 by George Frideric Handel, who was born in Germany, trained in Italy and lived most of adulthood in England. It premiered in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13, 1742, but over the years was revised several times by Handel. Its most familiar version was performed in 1754 to benefit a hospital.

Handel, whose other works include “Water Music” and “Music for the Royal Fireworks,” died in 1759. His work strongly influenced the great composers of the times. Handel’s music was well-known to greats such as Wolfgang Amaedus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven and Joseph Haydn.

Today, Messiah performances have become common around the holidays.

Smart said the oratorio begins with an overture by the orchestra, followed by a tenor solo telling about the Messiah who is to come. Then the full choir will stand and sing about the glory of God. Then it proceeds with a series of solos and choral numbers and an orchestral interlude, telling the story of the Messiah’s importance to the people. The ending comes with the triumphant singing of the Hallelujah Chorus where, traditionally, the listeners rise to their feet.