El Mesias

Experience the beauty of Handel’s Messiah in a whole new way this Christmas season! The Choral Society of Pensacola invites you to El Mesías, a special performance of the Christmas portion of Handel’s beloved oratorio, sung entirely in Spanish.

There’s a special connection between this music and our community. The Choral Society began in 1935 with a performance of Handel’s Messiah. And during much of the Revolutionary War, Pensacola was under British rule, with Spain supporting the American Patriots in their fight against the British. What better way to bring these two pieces of history together than through music?

El Mesías promises a beautiful and meaningful start to your Christmas season. Come experience the familiar music you love with a fresh perspective!

Event Details:

Dates & Times:

• Friday, December 4, 2026 at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Location: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1212 E. Moreno Street, Pensacola, FL

Tickets: available here

Join us for this special holiday tradition as we celebrate music, history, and the spirit of the season. We hope to see you there!

There are two exciting ways to help support The Choral Society of Pensacola.

Bid on the Baton

Minimum Bid: $500
Now’s your chance to be in charge! Win the unforgettable opportunity to conduct a 100-voice chorus and 17-piece orchestra in the “Hallelujah Chorus,” from Handel’s Messiah. Whether you have years of experience or simply want to give us your best Leonard Bernstein impersonation, you are the perfect candidate.

The two highest bidders will each win a chance to conduct the finale of one of our El Mesías concert(s) in the beautiful Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Highest bid will get a choice of dates: December 4, 2026, 7:30 pm, or December 5, 2026, noon. Second highest bid will be awarded the remaining date.

Bidding begins at 12 am (midnight) on November 10, 2026. Auction closes Friday, November 20th, 2026, at 11:59pm.
Bids start at $500
Your experience includes:

• The opportunity to conduct the “Hallelujah Chorus” (sung in English) at the helm of the 91-year old Choral Society of Pensacola and members of the 100-year old Pensacola Symphony Orchestra in a public concert at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. (priceless)
• A private, 45-min. conducting lesson with Maestro Steenblik to help you prepare. (a $100 value)
• Two tickets and reserved seating for you and a guest to attend the respective concert. (a $70 value)

The impact: Play a role in furthering our mission “to strengthen and enrich our community through a variety of engaging choral experiences.”

To place your bid, click here to email Heather with your name and bid. All names will be kept anonymous.

Adopt An Instrument

A gift of any amount makes a difference. A donation of $380 fully sponsors an instrument and helps support the musicians who bring this timeless masterpiece to life.

Instruments Available

Violin (5) Bassoon

Viola Trumpet (2)

Cello Timpani

Bass Organ

Oboe (2) Piano

Premium Sponsorships
Concertmaster $1000
Rose Harpsichord $500

To make a donation or find out more, email Heather, or check our website for updates.