In the chorus For Unto Us a Child is Born in his Messiah, Handel sets the syllable born to a chain of 56 rapid noteswhich actually can make you sound something like a woman in labor if you dont read ahead in the score and pace your breathing. Just a little tip from someone whos participated in one of the popular Sing- and Play-Along performances that dot the holiday season. Karen P. Thomas leads one tonight at University Unitarian, and the Northwest Chorale hosts one Tuesday in Shoreline. Bring your instrument (and a music stand), or come to sing; bring a score if you have one (Thomas suggests the Novello edition, the NC prefers Schirmer). Though most of Messiahs text deals with Christs life and deaththe work was in fact intended for Easterthe radiance and sparkle of the Nativity section has made it a Christmas tradition. And if the later stuff about stripes and iniquity and worms destroying this body can be a bit of a downer, its less so if youre singing it yourself. (Also: St. Dunstans Church of the Highlands, 722 N. 145th St., 522-9853, nwchorale.org. $15. 7 p.m. Tues., Dec. 29.) GAVIN BORCHERT
Sat., Dec. 26, 7 p.m.; Tue., Dec. 29, 7 p.m., 2009