Voices will be heard on high when The Northwest Sacred Music Chorale (NWSMC) and guest artists perform the Lenten and Easter portions of Handel's "Messiah" (Parts II and III) in the Kroc Center April 13 and 14.

"Messiah" is a presentation of Jesus Christ's journey to the tomb and beyond, telling the story behind the Easter holiday. Parts II and III focus on the latter part of Christ's life and are not as frequently performed as Part I, which is popular around Christmas.

"Most people who are liturgically minded would really appreciate the context," said executive director Nate Jolley. "It's perfect for the Easter season."

Jolley said "Messiah" Parts II and III provide a unique opportunity for concertgoers because of the rarity of their performance.

The Chorale, orchestra and soloists will perform well-known solos and choruses, such as "The Trumpet Shall Sound" and the "Hallelujah Chorus," concluding with "Worthy is the Lamb."

"We hope to sell out," Jolley said. "It's considered to be fabulous music. It really is amazing."

Conductor Mary Sims Johnson has been with NWSMC for about a year and a half. She said she wants "Messiah" to be performed just as Handel intended.

"I wanted to keep it authentically baroque, so the orchestra is small," she said.

Johnson said NWSMC has been working on "Messiah" since January, with the final dress rehearsal happening April 12.

"It's going to be a cool opportunity for audiences to hear it in the original context, which is the proper context in my view," she said. Johnson said she hopes the concert also serves as an educational opportunity because while the "Hallelujah Chorus" is often associated with Christmas and Part I, it is actually at the end of Part II.

The guest soloists are bass baritone Randel Wagner, tenor Cody Bray, alto Debby Raby and soprano Becki Stevens.

Show times are 7 p.m. April 13 and 3 p.m. April 14. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors and available at www.nwsmc.org or these locations: First Presbyterian Church, 521 E. Lakeside; Great Harvest Bread Company, 3510 N. Government Way; and Northwest Academy of Music, 4045 N. Government Way.