WAILUKU – Maui Chamber Orchestra presents the perennial holiday favorite, Georg Friedrich Handel’s “Messiah,” at the Historic ‘Iao Theater on Dec 15-16.

Performing nearly the entire three-part work, MCO will be joined by the Maui Chamber Orchestra Chorus and a stellar quartet of soloists: Martina Bingham, Maya Hoover, Nathaniel McEwen and Levi Hernandez. Maestro Robert E. Wills conducts.

“Messiah” was composed in just 24 days in 1741 – an astonishing feat considering the work’s length and complexity. Though it debuted just after Easter in 1742, it is now customarily performed at Christmas time. Its libretto, by Charles Jennens, describes the foretelling of Christ’s birth, his sacrifice for humankind, and his resurrection from the dead.

All four of the vocal soloists enjoy thriving national and international solo careers. Soprano Bingham and mezzo soprano Hoover also serve on the faculty of UH-Manoa. Tenor McEwen and baritone Hernandez were heard to great acclaim in MCO’s performance of Haydn’s “Harmoniemesse” in August.

Performances take place at the Historic ‘Iao Theater at 68 N. Market St. in Wailuku on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m. (preceded by “Talk Story with the Artists” at 1:30 p.m.).

Tickets range from $27 to $55 and may be purchased at the ‘Iao Theater Box Office (mauionstage.com, 808-242-6969) and at mauichamberorchestra.org. There are $10 student tickets (with ID presented at the box office) and $22 senior tickets (Sunday only) through Kaunoa by calling (808) 270-7308.