A long-running Outer Banks holiday tradition will return this year, as a community performance of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, at St. Andrews by the Sea Episcopal Church in Nags Head.
The concert begins at 4 p.m. and is free to the public, with donations supporting the Dare County Youth Orchestra (DCYO).
The Messiah, first performed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1742, has become closely associated with Christmas celebrations. The work is best known for its first section, which includes the “Hallelujah” chorus and “For Unto Us a Child Is Born.”
Community performances of the oratorio on the Outer Banks began in the early 2000s, organized by the late Forest Warren, minister of music at Colington United Methodist Church and founder of what is now the Outer Banks Chorus. After Warren’s passing in 2010, musician and educator John Buford revived the tradition in 2014, conducting and often performing in seven annual concerts.
Buford collaborated with John O’Neil of the Dare County Youth Orchestra to include student musicians in the production, helping to create both a showcase for young talent and a fundraiser for the orchestra. Donations collected over the years have supported music education and orchestra expenses for Dare County students.
In 2023, shortly after being named Dare County Schools Teacher of the Year, Buford was diagnosed with leukemia. That year’s concert was dedicated to him and conducted by Maestro Robin Fountain, an emeritus professor of conducting at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music who resides part-time on the Outer Banks.
Fountain will again lead this year’s performance, with organizational efforts overseen by DCYO leadership. President Donna Trivette is coordinating fundraising, Vice President Leslie Erickson is directing youth and adult musicians, and Becki Rea is managing chorus recruitment and auditions. For the first time, members of the public are invited to audition for solo parts, further expanding community participation.
Rehearsals begin in September, and organizers encourage anyone interested in singing to contact Rea at beckirea@gmail.com by Aug. 30.
The concert remains free to attend, with donations to DCYO supporting local music students.
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