PENDLETON — The Oregon East Symphony Chorale will present its first full-scale concert production since the COVID-19 pandemic with two holiday season performances of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.”

The first performance starts at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Vert Auditorium, 480 SW Dorion Ave.

The second performance will be in Hermiston at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Hermiston High School, 600 S. First St.

Under the direction of OES Assistant Conductor Zach Banks, with assistance from Chorale Conductor Steve Muller, the OES Symphony and Chorale will bring Handel’s beloved oratorio to life.

For both performances, the chorale will be joined by more than 100 young singers from the Hermiston High School choirs, under the direction of Jordan Bemrose, and the Pendleton High School a cappella choir, under the direction of Emily Muller-Cary.

Composed in 1741 and first performed in Dublin in 1742, Handel’s “Messiah” contains the “Hallelujah” chorus, which has become famous as a stand-alone piece, said J.D. Kindle, OES executive director.

Featured soloists include Alexis McCarthy (soprano), Emily Muller-Cary (alto), Chris Leonard (tenor) and Scott Train (bass).

McCarthy has previously performed arias by Chabier and Verdi at the symphony’s annual Chamber Music Festival. She is co-owner The Next Chapter Bookstore in Hermiston.

Muller-Cary is director of orchestras and choirs for the Pendleton School District. She performs as the symphony’s principal viola and has also been a featured vocal soloist for OES concerts.

Leonard was a soloist with the chorale for its 2019 performance of Heinrich Schutz’s “The Christmas Story.” He also is a regular performer with the Pendleton Men’s Chorus.

Train is a 2023 Pendleton High School graduate and is currently a student at the University of Oregon double majoring in music education and music performance.

The Pendleton performance is made possible in part with support from the Pendleton Foundation Trust, which helps OES offer free, unreserved seating on the floor level of the Vert Auditorium.

Free tickets are available at the symphony office, 345 SW Fourth St., Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or from participating organizations and businesses in Pendleton. A list of those partnering entities is at www.Oregon EastSymphony.org.

Reserved seating for the balcony or floor are available for purchase through the OES office (541-276-0320) or website.

The Hermiston performance, which is free, is supported by the Greater Hermiston Community Foundation.