St. Matthew’s Music Guild Season Continues With Bach Collegium San Diego

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

St. Matthew’s Music Guild will continue its season of concerts with Bach Collegium San Diego and an “all-star cast” in a complete performance of the “immortal holiday classic”: George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.”

The performance will take place on Friday, December 5, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at St. Augustine by-the-Sea Church, which is located at 1227 Fourth Street in Santa Monica.

“Handel’s great oratorio ‘Messiah’ springs to life by way of the fruitful collaboration of Charles Jennens’ carefully conceived libretto and Handel’s supreme skill as a composer for the theatre,” read a statement about the concert. “BCSD’s performance of ‘Messiah,’ delivered by a dynamic cast brought together from throughout the U.S., in the manner of Handel’s dramatic operas, has become one of its crown jewels.”

Bach Collegium San Diego was founded in 2003 and has become one of the nation’s “premier early music ensembles,” which is recognized for its “vibrant and historically informed performances.”

“Now in its 23rd season, BCSD has earned acclaim for its expressive artistry and innovative programming,” the statement read. “The ensemble made its European debut at the Paulinum during Bachfest Leipzig 2024, with additional performances at historic Bach sites throughout Thuringia, Germany. BCSD is a new Resident Company at the La Jolla Music Society.”

The Music Guild performance will include 30 early music instrumentalists, as well as 20 singers and five vocal soloists. There will be three performances in Southern California, including in LA and San Diego.

“St. Augustine by-the-Sea, with its lively acoustic, provides a resonant and welcoming space for the audience,” according to Music Guild.

“St. Matthew’s Music Guild presents ‘World-Class Music close to Home’ in Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica,” read a statement from Music Guild. “Now in its 41st season (2025-26), the Guild is anchored by the critically acclaimed Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s, led by Music Director Dwayne S. Milburn, and presents distinguished guest soloists and ensembles. Each season offers seven thoughtfully curated programs, complemented by the Guild’s Choral Initiative, new-music commissions and community concerts at local service organizations.”

Typically, Music Guild concerts take place at St. Matthew’s Church on Bienveneda Avenue in the Palisades. The program is anticipating its return to its home performance space in the near future.

Tickets for the December 5 concert are $45 for general admission or $10 for students at the door with ID.

For more information, visit musicguildonline.org or call 310-573-0722.