A Five-Star Evening

The Memphis Messiah, an annual benefit performance, is truly a five-star evening. In partnership with Orphanos, the event brings together:

Why Handel's Messiah?

Orphanos specifically chose Handel's Messiah for this annual benefit performance because of the rich history of the piece. Over the last 250 years this work has, in the words of one music historian, "fed the hungry, clothed the naked (and) fostered the orphan." The first performance in Dublin was given as a benefit for orphans, a charity hospital, and for people in debtor's prisons. Messiah later gained wide popularity in prestigious London circles as an annual benefit performance for a London orphanage. The Memphis Messiah celebrates this unique aspect of the history of Handel's work by bringing help and healing to children at risk.

Partnering With Education

In conjunction with the publicly attended concert, Orphanos partners with the Memphis City Schools and Catholic Jubilee Schools to provide a special program for underserved inner-city 4th and 5th grade children. These special educational programs are provided entirely free of charge to the kids. Orphanos raises funds from the local Memphis business community to cover the expenses for the children's attendance. This gift to the children includes a fully developed curriculum taught in the school system by trained music educators. The children are also provided on stage teaching about the symphony as well as an inspirational talk. 2006 was our first year and we hosted 500 children in the Cannon Center listening to our talented orchestra performing Handel's Messiah. In the years following the number of children has continued to grow. The school administrators have indicated they would like to bring more than 5500 for the performances. Their larger commitment is testimony to how well received the program is. Each year we receive hundreds of letters from students and teachers thanking us for this special gift. What a special blessing it is for us to provide this life changing event.

Will You Help?

Clearly, Orphanos is a Memphis-based foundation that wants to have a local impact to complement its long-standing global reach. We are investing substantial resources on this local aspect of the Memphis Messiah to reach inner city and homeschool children right here in Shelby County.

If you would like to give to support this event, please e-mail or call 901.458.9500. To support the good work of Orphanos on a regular basis, click here.

For more information, contact Wayne Sneed at Orphanos Foundation.