Handel's Messiah Sing-Along Returns to First Christian Church

Community members invited to sing along to the beloved oratorio alongside the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic

Mar. 25, 2026 at 4:05am

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The Handel's Messiah Sing-Along, hosted by Love Chapel, is returning for its second year in Columbus, Indiana. The 50-minute concert will feature selections from Handel's Messiah, with the audience invited to sing along to popular choruses like "And the Glory of the Lord," "Glory to God," and the Hallelujah chorus. The concert will also include performances by soloists and the 18-20 person Columbus Indiana Philharmonic orchestra.

Why it matters

The Handel's Messiah Sing-Along is an opportunity for the Columbus community to come together and participate in a beloved Easter tradition. The event raises funds for Love Chapel, which operates a food pantry and emergency shelter in the city. Organizers hope the sing-along will continue to grow and become an annual Easter event for the community.

The details

The Handel's Messiah Sing-Along will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday at First Christian Church in Columbus. Tickets cost $25, with early bird tickets available for $20. Sheet music will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own. The concert will feature soloists soprano Jenny Heichelbech, mezzo Danielle Long, tenor Shederick Whipple, and bass Grant Jackson, as well as the 18-20 person Columbus Indiana Philharmonic orchestra conducted by Elliott Lentz.

  • The Handel's Messiah Sing-Along is returning for its second year in 2026.
  • The concert will be held on Sunday, March 25, 2026 at 5 p.m.

The players

Love Chapel

A local organization that operates a food pantry and emergency shelter in Columbus, Indiana. Love Chapel is hosting the Handel's Messiah Sing-Along as a fundraiser.

Columbus Indiana Philharmonic

An 18-20 person orchestra that will perform the orchestral accompaniment for the Handel's Messiah Sing-Along, conducted by Elliott Lentz.

Allison Kunkler

The organizer and Love Chapel development director for the Handel's Messiah Sing-Along.

Jenny Heichelbech

The soprano soloist performing at the Handel's Messiah Sing-Along.

Danielle Long

The mezzo soloist performing at the Handel's Messiah Sing-Along.

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What they’re saying

“And you don't have to be a singer to enjoy the experience, it's just a benefit… especially even if you don't know certain pieces and you just want to sit one song out, you get a surround sound experience from people all singing around you which is also neat.”

— Allison Kunkler, Love Chapel development director

“I think it was a new concept that we have just not seen in our community, having like a sing along concert where your attendance is encouraged to be a part of the production.”

— Allison Kunkler, Love Chapel development director

What’s next

The Handel's Messiah Sing-Along is expected to continue as an annual Easter tradition in Columbus, with organizers considering rotating the venue between different local churches each year.

The takeaway

The Handel's Messiah Sing-Along provides the Columbus community with a unique opportunity to come together and participate in a beloved Easter musical tradition, while also supporting the important work of the Love Chapel organization.