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Yuletide chorus going strong

Every year for nearly a decade, the Nature Coast Festival Singers have repeated the "Hallelujahs!' with resounding joy.

For nearly a decade, the Nature Coast Festival Singers have kept a holiday tradition alive.

In 1994, the group formed with the intent of filling a void for many who grew up in other parts of the country.

"It just feels like Christmas isn't Christmas without the Messiah," said Shirley Chaisson, publicity chairwoman and a charter member of the group, which performs portions of Handel's Messiah each year. "It seems like one of those Northern traditions that has migrated down here like the rest of us."

A Montreal native, Chaisson retired to Florida from western New York state and was one of the first few who gathered at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Spring Hill when the group formed.

"I sang in many choruses in New York, and wherever I was, I was very active in the choir," she said. "And I always found a group that was singing the Messiah at Christmas."

The all-volunteer group began by singing the work in its entirety, Chaisson said, but over the years felt that a bit more variety was needed.

"We did that for quite a few years, and, like everything else, it got a bit stale," the soprano said. "The group felt like it wanted to do something different."

This year, the group, now 75 strong, will perform six choruses from Handel's work, interspersed with other sacred music.

"We've developed quite a following over the years," Chaisson said. "It's nice to see some of the same faces in the audience from one time to the next."

Concerts are at 3 p.m. Sunday at Christ Lutheran Church, 475 North Ave. W, Brooksville; 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, 7922 State Road 52, Hudson, and 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. Concerts are free, but an offering will be taken. For information, call 683-4833.

- Joy Davis-Platt can be reached at 352 848-1435. Send e-mail to joy@sptimes.com