Messiah's arrival in Detroit rescheduled

No, not that messiah: We're talking about the performance of Handel's Messiah, which has become a major holiday gathering at the Fort Street Presbyterian Church, as the tradition stretches back 37 years. 

This year, the first presentation has been scheduled somewhat earlier, so that the church's new partners at Noel Night can gather early for the concert and then move on to the festivities in Detroit's Cultural Center. 

Instead of beginning in the evening, the Saturday, Dec. 5 performance will begin at 3 p.m. The Sunday, Dec. 6 performance is at 3 p.m. as usual.

Haven't seen and heard this live before? You ought to. Concerts are with full chamber orchestra and professional soloists, giving a rousing performance of the late 18th century's version of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. (Handel's early scores were much more modestly scaled compared to the overblown productions a few decades after his death.)

Tickets are $20; group rates and patron seating available; call 313-961-4533 or see fortstreet.org for details.