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The official website of the Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus.
A Mississippi Gulf Coast Music Tradition Lives On
December 1952 marked the beginning of what has become a musical tradition for thousands of people along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi: the annual performance of George Frideric Handel’s marvelous oratorio, Messiah. Under the direction of Glen Draper, the first performance at Keesler Air Force Base began a 63-year history of performances by musicians from both the military and civilian communities. The thousands who enjoy this masterpiece of Handel’s genius year after year are a living tribute to those who have made it possible through dedication and hard work.
Again this year the presentation of selections from Messiah will touch the communities of the Gulf Coast with three performances in the fall and three in the spring to make Handel’s masterpiece easily accessible. Singers in this chorus, as well as all soloists, are volunteers who love to share their vocal talents and enjoy singing this demanding music, Messiah. It is exciting to sing in such a group and we know the power of Handel’s music to enrich the lives of the singers and our audiences. What began so simply at Keesler sixty-three years ago continues to be an inspiration to those who visit or make their homes in southern Mississippi.
The Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus is a registered nonprofit corporation in the state of Mississippi and has been granted a tax exempt nonprofit status [501(c)(3)] by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
All Performances are free and open to the public. All gifts in support of the Chorus are tax deductible.
Board Members, Officers, and Committee Chairs
Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus 