KMFA 89.5 presents the complete Messiah by George Frederick Handel with Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble Conspirare and conductor Craig Hella Johnson. KMFA's John Clare will host the concert and include insights with Johnson about the holiday favorite, as well as their latest nomination for Best Choral Performance at the 2015 Grammy Awards.

Messiah is an oratorio from 1741 by George Frederick Handel, with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible, and from the version of the Psalms included with the Book of Common Prayer. It was first performed in Dublin in April 1742 and received its London premiere nearly a year later. After an initially modest public reception, the oratorio has gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works of all time.