Bringing renewed social relevance, commentary and philanthropy to an annual holiday tradition, National Philharmonic (NatPhil) presents George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah,” Dec. 17 and 18 at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland and Dec. 23 at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia. 

This year’s performance has special meaning because 50% of the proceeds from the performances at Strathmore will go toward the “2nd Century Project” as a fundraiser to restore the historic Scotland African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church in Montgomery County, Md.