Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus

December 1952 marked the beginning of what has become a musical tradition for thousands of people along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi: the annual performance of George Frideric Handel’s marvelous oratorio, Messiah. Under the direction of Glen Draper, the first performance at Keesler Air Force Base began a 65-year history of performances by musicians from both the military and civilian communities. The thousands who enjoy this masterpiece of Handel’s genius year after year are a living tribute to those who have made it possible through dedication and hard work.