The Music Conservatory of Coeur d'Alene will hold two performances of its most popular concert of the year, Handel’s "Messiah," at the Schuler Performing Arts Center on the North Idaho College campus the weekend before Thanksgiving.

The evening concert performance will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 23. The afternoon concert performance with an optional singalong will be at 3 p.m. Nov. 24.

Conducted by Music Conservatory Artistic Director Kent Kimball, the program will feature soloists Chloe Sundet, soprano; Ann Benson, alto; Scott Miller, tenor; and Steve Mortier, bass.

“'What makes this Handel masterpiece so adored by all' you might ask," Kimball said in a Wednesday news release.

"Don't take my word for it," he said. "Handel was revered by the best of them. After hearing 'Messiah,' Haydn wept and said, ‘This man is the master of us all.’ Mozart said, ‘If I could be born any other composer, I'd choose Handel.’ And Beethoven said, ‘Handel is the greatest composer that ever lived. I would uncover my head and kneel at his grave.’

"Come listen to the greatest story ever told, gift-wrapped in some of the most masterful music ever written," Kimball said.

Cynthia Newkirk, executive director of the conservatory, said this program — more than most holiday performances — brings people together in a special and unique way, raises the significance of music in people's lives and offers the opportunity to celebrate a timeless tradition that can be enjoyed by generations of families and friends who seek deeper meaning in their faith and shared experience.

Tickets are: $30 orchestra, $25 lower balcony and $20 upper balcony. Tickets are now on sale at cdaconservatory.org/events.

A private reception will take place immediately before the opening of each concert for Friends of the Music Conservatory, the circle of donors who support the nonprofit’s mission and programs throughout the year. Community members and business leaders interested in joining can find information at cdaconservatory.org/support-us.

As opportunities to learn more about the program, Kimball will present two free Lunch and Learn one-hour lectures titled, “G.F. Handel: The Man, His Music and Messiah” from noon to 1 p.m. today and again Nov. 14 at the conservatory, 627 N. Government Way, Coeur d'Alene. The sessions are funded in part by the Idaho Humanities Council. Several music excerpts will be played during the talk and a Q&A session will be held afterward. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited. Email registrar@cdaconservatory.org indicating the referred date of attendance to reserve a seat.