The Knoxville Choral Society performed for the first time in Northeast Tennessee on Sunday, presenting a concert at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center that included selections from Handel's "Messiah" for an audience of 300.

Conducted by Bill Brewer, assistant director, the group was joined by an orchestra of 16 musicians, most of whom are members of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.

Three of the singers have local connections.

Leslie Hull, a soprano, is the daughter of the late U.S. District Judge Tom and Joann Hull of Greeneville and the sister of Brandon Hull.

Megan Robinson, also a soprano, is the granddaughter of Gloria Boyd, of Greeneville, and the late Kyle Boyd.

Megan's husband, Jonathan Robinson, bass, was one of 10 soloists featured in 17 of the selections.

The group performed 29 selections from the "Messiah."

The selections were based on Scripture from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

A highlight of the show was the performance of the Hallelujah Chorus.

The one-hour-and-35-minute performance ended with a standing ovation from the crowd.

The Knoxville Choral Society, organized in 1951, includes 120 singers, ranging in age from 20 years to 80. They are from six different counties around Knoxville.

The make-up of the group includes 15 percent music teachers or performers, 15 percent teachers, 15 percent retired individuals, and five to six percent homemakers. The rest are professionals such as engineers, architects and accountants.

Since 1976, entrance into the group has been solely through audition. Soloists are selected from the performing chorus, with occasional guest soloists appearing as well.

Dr. Eric Thorson has been the Knoxville Choral Society's conductor since 1995 and artistic director since 1996. He is professor of music and director of choral activities at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City.

For more information, visit www.knoxvillechoralsociety.org.