In 1979, Layne and Marian Wright decided to organize a community sing-along and concert of Handel's "Messiah." Forty-five years later, the Draper "Messiah" is still going strong thanks to the commitment of the Wright family and the ongoing support of the community.

“Joy has kept us going,” Marian said. "'Messiah' brings everyone together at Christmas time. A lot of families have raised their children with this."

Of the many holiday season performances of “Messiah” in Utah, the Wrights believe that the one in Draper is the longest running. It is unique in that it has had the same conductor and has been held in the same place through the years.

Two performances of “Messiah” are presented each year at the Corner Canyon Stake Center at 13366 S. 1300 East. The first, a sing-along, is always held on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. For the second, professional soloists perform with the orchestra and choir. All are welcome to attend and participate regardless of religious affiliation. "We just ask that people bring their own music," Marian said.

Both Layne and Marian come from musical backgrounds. Layne majored in music education at the University of Utah. A plumber by profession, he organized the Draper Symphony and also played in a big band affiliated with Draper Arts Council. Marian, who plays viola and violin, has performed in classical quartets and taught music in Draper for 20 years.

Local musicians performed in the orchestra for the Draper community production of Handel’s “Messiah” in this undated photo. (Photo courtesy of Layne and Marian Wright)

Layne explained that prior to 1979, both he and Marian had played in other performances of "Messiah" throughout the valley. "We decided we could start one here," he said. The Wrights' 12 children, all of whom play instruments, were key to getting the orchestra started. Layne is the conductor.

"We rehearsed at the stake center," Marian recalled. "The Draper Stake presidency sponsored it and purchased the music." They were able to use the stake center's organ as well.

"We probably had a choir of about 40 people and 20 in the orchestra when we started," Layne said. "Today there are at least 80 in the choir and 30 to 40 in the orchestra."

The whole Wright family has been involved with “Messiah” over the decades. Twelve years ago, when Layne and Marian were called on missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, their sons Sam and John stepped in to take it over.

Sam Wright stated that “Messiah” is deeply meaningful to him. “I think it is some of the most amazing music ever written,” he said. He spoke of the message of redemption through Jesus Christ that is embodied in the work. “It is transcendent,” he added.

“This year, I’ll be working with my brother and parents, calling up soloists and musicians, helping it come together,” Sam said. He is also a bass in the choir.

Audiences can expect a polished, high-quality performance. “It’s pretty exceptional,” Sam said. “Even members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir talk about the performance quality.” He relayed an anecdote from the early years of the Draper “Messiah” back when the town was a farming community. “Someone in the audience said, ‘I never knew farmers could sing that well!’”

“It’s interesting what a group of common folk can do,” Marian said. “There’s such good in this community.”

The Wrights are committed to keeping the annual performances of “Messiah” going. Layne explained that they are inspired by “our love for the Savior” while Marian added, “and the people here in this community.”

While they have not sought out publicity in the past, Marian said that for their 45th year, they wanted to spread the word about it. “For the community to support this for so many years is really something,” she said.

The Draper “Messiah” sing-along will be held on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Corner Canyon Stake Center at 13366 S. 1300 East. A second performance, with professional soloists, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Both concerts are free of charge.