In Indianapolis, as in lots of places, Georg Frideric Handel's "Messiah" is an annual event, yet the baroque composer's 25 other oratorios are sorely neglected.

Last weekend, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir revived another of the German-born, London-based composer's choral works: "Israel in Egypt," which it hadn't sung in 12 years.

Led by Symphonic Choir artistic director Eric Stark, about 110 singers performed the Biblical story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery. The choir opened in Wabash, then sang at Second Presbyterian Church in Indy.

As a bow toward "authentic" performance practice, early-music revivalists sometimes employ period instruments with small choruses. The Symphonic Choir did use the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, but also chose a large chorus, rather than a small one, as some purists might prefer.

The effect at Second Presbyterian was grand and powerful, rather than delicate and intimate. Still, Stark and his cast of dozens projected the text clearly except when the counterpoint got pretty thick. Even then, the balance was good.

Although plagues aren't especially entertaining, "Israel in Egypt" does contain an amusingly obsessive litany of choruses about the frogs, flies, locusts and hailstones that besieged the Egyptians.

Act I choral highlights on Saturday included a lush, controlled "He Sent a Thick Darkness" followed by Stark's punchy depiction of the smiting of Egyptian children; and a bombastic description of the Red Sea, closing in on the Egyptians pursuing the Israelites.

Act 2 featured three great duets: "The Lord is My Strength" offered lovely tonal contrast between Maria Jette's light, bright soprano and Angelique Zuluaga's dark, delicate mezzo. "The Lord Is A Man of War," for two basses, united the chesty sound of Ryan de Ryke with Kyle Ferrill's lighter, headier style. "Thou in Thy Mercy" featured a gorgeous blend between countertenor Steven Rickards and tenor Christopher Cock.

The Symphonic Choir's "Israel in Egypt" will be broadcast at 8 p.m. Nov. 3 on WFYI-FM 90.1.