AS its gift to the holiday season, theNational Symphony Choir is offering, freeof charge, three performances of Handel’s“Messiah” in the Central Valley.The choir, along with members of theNational Symphony Orchestra, will performthis holiday masterpiece at The SantoDomingo Basilica in Heredia at 8 p.m., onFriday, Dec. 17; at the Basilica de LosAngeles in Cartago, 7:30 p.m., Saturday,Dec. 18, and at the San Miguel Church inEscazú, at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 19.The soloists are María Marta López,soprano; Raquel Ramírez, mezzosoprano;Larry Gerber, tenor, and Scott MacLeod,bass.UNDER the auspices of the ArsMúsica Foundation, the entire NationalSymphony Choir and Director RamiroRamírez will perform for free.Nevertheless, there is great expense in payingthe orchestra, the soloists, buses, stagehands, programs, the truck for transportinginstruments and other equipment, etc.The foundation must still cover theinnumerable costs of providing these freeconcerts and asks music lovers to helpdefray the expense of such a vast undertaking.Add to your holiday giving by supportingthe arts and send a tax-deductiblecheck to Fundación ARS MUSICA,Apartado 11334-1000, San José. Pleasespecify that the donation is for the CoroSinfónico.A return address must be provided inorder to receive the receipt for the donation.For more information, call SusanTessem, 228-9167.
