Messiah shut out at the arts center

PAUL STEUCKE SR. | Olympia • Published December 22, 2012 Modified December 21, 2012

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Each year approximately 1,000 people gather in the Washington Center for the Performing Arts to sing the wonderful chorus, “The Messiah.” The 100-plus greater Olympia student orchestra, all dressed in formal wear, sit on stage and play as professionals. The Olympia Chorale, in formal wear, stand behind the symphony and faithfully lead as the altos, sopranos, tenors and bass seated in the audience, 500 hundred voices strong, sing as one glorious body under the direction of conductor John Welsh.

It is a thrilling annual performance. But not this year. Someone at the Washington Center decided that it was more important to have 12 performances of the ballet Nutcracker instead. The name of the person who made this decision should be made public so they can reap the disdain of thousands. One night off out of 12 could have and should have been arranged. Shame on them.

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