Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) choirmaster Sonia Larson is excited.

“’Handel’s Messiah’ hasn’t been presented here in Austin for four years,” she said. “This concert is very special for that and other reasons.”

There are, in fact, nine other reasons: guest soloists, who will perform with the symphony chorus Sunday afternoon.

And, don’t forget, the Riverland Community College Choir.

Sunday’s audience will see the biggest production of the acclaimed “Messiah” ever in Austin.

“We are so fortunate to have this kind of talent in our midst,” Larson said.

The 90-voice symphony chorus will be put through its paces in performing Handel’s musical chronicle of the life of Jesus Christ.

The holiday favorite is the perfect crowd-pleaser at Christmastime.

Larson said she has the perfect blend of voices in the symphony chorus to make Sunday afternoon’s concert a memorable experience for all.

The symphony chorus soloists will include Andrea Allison, an Eddyville, Iowa native who moved to Austin in May 2007 and works for the research and development division of Hormel Foods Corp.

Scott Blankenbaker is the head of the Riverland Community College music department. Blankenbaker is chancel choir director at Christ Episcopal Church of Austin and a supply organist for several local churches.

Bradley Carlton is a frequent soloist at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, who also plays trombone with the Austin Big Band. Carlton has also performed with the Austin Community and Austin Jazz bands. He is an accountant at LarsonAllen in Austin.

Alice Holst, a native of Albert Lea, is branch manager at Austin’s US Bank. Her performing credits are impressive: Northwestern Singers, InSynque a capella quartet, St. Olaf Lutheran Church choir and ASO Symphony Chorus.

Sue Jorgenson is a veteran ASO Symphony Chorus member, who has taught in local schools, including Austin High. She has appeared in or directed more than 100 musical theater productions in Austin, Albert Lea and Mankato.

Nicole Krautbauer is a teacher at Neveln Elementary School in Austin who sings with the Northwestern Singers and at her Faith Church.

Matt Stoneking is the son of two music teachers in Albert Lea. He has sung with the Riverland College Choir and received weekly voice lessons from Blankenbaker. He also travels to Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, for monthly voice lessons to prepare him for a career in opera performance.

Anna Sturtz, a native of Albert Lea, is pursuing an associate of fine arts degree at Riverland Community College with an emphasis in music. She is a veteran of Riverland and area community theater performances. Sturtz is a two-time winner of the Minnesota Two-Year College Fine Arts festivals in 2007 and 2008.

Since graduating Austin High School in 1995, Brad Weber has earned degrees in radiography, business management and leadership and most recently healthcare administration. He is employed at Austin Medical Center-Mayo Health System. He is also the technical director and an adjunct faculty member for the Riverland Theater Department. Weber has been involved in 114 theater productions, had 19 leading roles in 36 productions, designed 55 sets, been technical director for 62 shows and lighting designer for 105 shows and sound designer for 88 shows. A consummate performer on stage, Weber signs with the local male quartet, Forte.

The Sunday afternoon concert is sure to be a memorable event, if not for Handel’s impeccable Christ chronicle music and Ramsey’s mastery of the conductor’s baton, but for the orchestra and chorus.

Consider Larson’s enthusiasm.

“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented singers this year in our symphony chorus,” she said. “And with the fine young singers of the Riverland Choir joining us, I know Sunday’s concert will be a thrilling event.”

“We are truly privileged to have such wonderful music in Austin,” she said.

Stephen Ramsey, now in his 15th season, will conduct the ASO.

“Handel’s Messiah” will be performed at 2 p.m. Sunday in Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School.

Tickets are $8 in advance at Hy-Vee Food Store of Austin or $10 at the door Sunday.

Children in grades K-12 will be admitted free of charge.

The concert is presented through cooperation of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, Inc., through funding from the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota Legislature.

For more information contact ASO business manager Marge Dunlap at 433-5647.