The State College Choral Society and the Nittany Valley Symphony will present a holiday performance of Handel's Messiah at 2 p.m. Sunday in Eisenhower Auditorium.

"Messiah is a holiday tradition for many people," Karen Struble, executive director for the Nittany Valley Symphony, said. "It is appealing in that there's an opportunity for the audience to see a great deal of local talent and two respected community organizations collaborating."

The bi-annual benefit concert features local talent of Penn State students and faculty and State College community members. The proceeds from the show benefit The Music Academy, 519 W. College Ave., a non-profit music school in State College, as well as both non-profit organizations performing.

Penn State's Center for the Performing Arts is sponsoring the event for the second time.

"Any time we have the chance to collaborate with other arts organizations in the community it's a great opportunity for everyone involved," Center for the Performing Arts spokeswoman Laura Sullivan said.

"It's our mission to bring the arts to this community, and this performance really does that. It's always a pleasure to work with community partners that share that same goal, and The Music Academy benefits greatly from this," she added.

Struble said the performance attracted a large crowd and raised $10,000 for The Music Academy the last time it was presented, and she anticipates that this year should be no exception.

"The piece is really a traditional holiday favorite, and the audience we get is huge," Janet Haner, general manager of the State College Choral Society, said.

"Most people are familiar with Messiah because it includes the 'Hallelujah' chorus, which is the highlight of the concert for the audience as well as the performers and conductor."

This year Nittany Valley Symphony Director Michael Jinbo will conduct the ensemble.

Traditionally the director will turn around during the "Hallelujah" chorus and encourage the audience to stand and sing along.

Haner said the story behind the tradition began when Messiah was first performed for the King of England.

"He was so moved by the 'Hallelujah' chorus that he stood up, saying it was the most wonderful music he had ever heard. So now traditionally the audience stands and sings as well."

The audience will also have a chance to hear student ensembles from The Music Academy perform holiday pieces before the show begins.

"The entire collaboration is great, and the performance is such a wonderful experience for everyone," Haner said. "It really can make some people's holiday."

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for students and children.

For more information on the performance, call the Center for the Performing Arts at (814) 863-0255.