Star Valley celebrated 50 years of Handel’s “The Messiah” performances on Sunday, November 30 in the Star Valley High School auditorium.

With a full choir and orchestra, Salt River Symphony Chorus and six soloists brought the majestic oratorio to life. Organizers honored long-time participants Pat Davis, who served as piano accompanist for the first production on December 20, 1975, and RaDawn Ruud, who sang in that first choir, and has participated in every Star Valley production since.

After the example of composer George Frederic Handel, who annually devoted this particular work to charitable efforts, organizers also partnered with local food banks in a holiday food drive. In addition to food donations, charitable efforts brought $2460 in cash donations to the food banks.

RELATED: VIDEO: 50TH PERFORMANCE OF HANDEL’S “THE MESSIAH” –

Here are a few shots from the evening.

PHOTOS BY DAN DOCKSTADER –