Handel's Messiah, Ordway Theatre, St. Paul
Sunday, December 21, 12:30pm to 6:30pm
Cost: members, $100.00; nonmembers: $100.00
Preregistration required
Registration deadline: November 21

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” (Is. 9:6) One of many passages throughout Messiah that transforms our hearts in unforgettable melodies and brings us back to that which is sacred during the holidays.

But how ironic? After composing the oratorio in only 23 inspired days, he opted to introduce it to the public as a toned downed, A Sacred Oratorio, because he was concerned that presenting the life of Christ as an oratorio—i.e., something you bought tickets to go see—might be considered blasphemous.

To assuage the possible criticism, he performed Messiah annually as a charitable fundraiser, out of which the oratorio has become his most popular work; and, if I may, the masterpiece that returns so many of us in the world to the true meaning of Christmas.

This afternoon concert by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra will be three hours long and take place on the winter solstice. That’s the downside. The upside is that the Ordway Theater is on Rice Park which will be beautifully decorated for the holidays. So, we may just be able to hold off re-boarding the bus, to give our group a chance to stretch your legs strolling through the park.

Trip Leader: Bob Sullivan
Capacity: 30
 

Alina Ibragimova Plays Mozart's Third Violin Concerto, Ordway Theater, St. Paul
Friday, January 16, 2026, 9:30am to 3:30pm
Cost: members: $125.00; nonmembers: $125.00
Preregistration required
Registration deadline: December 16 

With the ability to “collapse any sense of distance between performer and listener” (The Guardian), world-renowned violinist Alina Ibragimova returns to the Ordway to lead the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra on a journey through lighthearted, spirited works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn and those they inspired. Alfred Schnittke’s Moz-Art à la Haydn is an out-of-the-box take on an unfinished musical fragment by Mozart, written in the humorous spirit of the two titular composers known for their humor. With a ghostly “fun house atmosphere” (New York Times) full of musical quotations, the work involves dueling violinists, lighting effects, and an ending reminiscent of Haydn’s Farewell Symphony — hang on tight for this program full of whimsy à la Mozart!

We will eat at Café Latte after the performance. Lunch is on your own.

Trip Leader: Bob Sullivan
Capacity: 30

TRIP - FREDERICK DOUGLASS: IN THE SHADOW OF SLAVERY
Sunday, February 15, 2026
1:00-7:30pm
SHELDON THEATER   
Playwright and Director: Tom Dugan
A one-man theatrical journey of Douglass’ remarkable life; from a childhood in slavery to his perilous escape to freedom. He had intense friendships with Susan B. Anthony, John Brown, and Abraham Lincoln and following the Civil War, continued his crucial work on behalf of former slaves. The story of Frederick Douglass’ struggle for African American freedom, as performed by Mel Johnson, Jr., star of Broadway and film, is a fascinating evening of theatre that will inspire, educate and entertain, and leave you moved.
We will be stopping to eat at Liberty’s Restaurant after the performance. The meal is on your own.
Trip Leader: Jim Pence
Capacity: 30
Cost: $105
Registration deadline: January 14