Voices of Omaha gave its first performance of Handel's Messiah on December 14, 1969, with soloists and orchestra under the direction of Leota Sneed Strong. Since then, the choir has enjoyed the leadership of artistic directors: Thomas Brantigan, Michael Dryver, Z. Randall Stroope, Greg Zielke, Stanley E. Schmidt, and Edward B. Hurd. The 1969 concert was a free gift to the community with no admission charge - a tradition which continues to this day. To offset expenses, the members pay dues, hold a fundraiser, and even pay for the poinsettias on the stage. The audience is invited to assist by participating in a free-will offering. Chorus membership is open to persons of all religions, creeds and races. They are drawn from Omaha and the surrounding area for a 50-mile radius. No audition is