August 1, 2020

Dear Messiah Patrons, Chorus and Orchestra,

Greetings from the MC Messiah Inc Board of Directors and from our Music Director, Phil Bauman!  We hope this letter finds you all well and avoiding any taint of sickness during this virulent virus season.  This season is unprecedented.  Each of us has to do all that we can to protect ourselves and those around us in the face of the threat.  We know that each of you has been wondering and waiting to hear any decision that we might make concerning this season’s performance of Handel’s Messiah.

The MC Messiah Inc. Board of Directors have been actively seeking the best solutions to our 2020 performance difficulties.  We have met twice during the pandemic, once on Zoom and once in a teleconference call, trying to think together how best to proceed.  Each time we agreed to wait on making a final decision. The landscape seems to change every week but one thing has not, our fundamental concern for the safety and well-being of our chorus members, soloists, orchestra members and patrons.

Finally, last week, we knew we could not wait any longer.  The time to begin making the final decisions for this year had come and we needed to decide whether to proceed or delay.

At that point we voted on three proposals for our future:

1. To cancel the December 2020 performance of Messiah.
2. To move the Messiah performance of this season to March 27 and 28, 2021, Palm Sunday Weekend, and present it as a prelude to Easter Celebrations, if our facility was open and conditions were optimal
3. To present the Baroque Concert, consisting of Vivaldi’s Gloria and Handel’s Coronation Choruses in May or early June if we could not present Messiah on the March, 2021 dates.

All these proposals passed unanimously except the first proposal which had only one dissenting vote.  We feel comfortable that we are moving in the right direction to protect our singers, orchestra and audiences.  This season is a work in progress.  Changes to our schedule will be considered as conditions change.

The good news this season is that we have been granted an Indiana Arts Commission Grant again this year for a small amount that will help no matter which direction we choose to go.  We welcome your support in prayer, participation of the events and financially.  Normally at this time of the year we would be asking for your participation in the Angel Club to get started with the season.  We have agreed not to do that at this time.

Please, know that your financial support is always welcome at any time of the year. If it would be best for you to continue to give your support at the end of the year, we are prepared to accept your donation to our fund for the coming 2021 performances. Please remember to make your donations out to MC Messiah, Inc. Thank you! First Presbyterian Church also thanks you for not including their name in your donation as it just complicates bookkeeping and they can no longer accept donations in our name as we have our own account and identity now.

Thank you for all of your support over these past 55 years and especially in the transitions of the past five years. It is our desire to get the chorus back in full voice, singing glorious music as soon and as safely as possible.

A message from Phil. “I know you are anxious to be in community with one another, raising one triumphant voice for His praise. We all are. That will happen once again when He tells us we are ready. We clearly have not been given the green light. We know our patience and faith will be rewarded when that day comes. Help us be ready and provide whatever financial support you can so that we will be ready with one magnificent and resounding voice of praise. That day will be GLORIOUS!”

We, as a Board, have been proud to be at your service in preserving and expanding MC
Messiah’s glorious heritage. Please, pray for us as we continue to make decisions for the good of all of us.

In His Service,

Donna M. Mitchell
MC Messiah, Inc. President, Board of Directors