(NWPR-IN) – On Sunday, December 5 at 7:30 pm, the St. Mary’s Catholic Church bells will be proclaiming one of George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) most famous works, “Messiah.” Presented by the Huntington University Concert Choir and its Orchestra, this marks the 56th year of this annual performance in Huntington, Indiana.
The Christian history of the “Messiah” was for secular theatre and was first performed during Lent, however after Handel’s passing, it also became the norm to perform the work during Advent, the before time of the Christmas season. Today it is performed both in churches as well as in concert halls, featuring only the first section of Messiah plus the “Hallelujah” chorus, but some ensembles feature the entire work as a Christmas concert.
Featured soloists will include Huntington University faculty member Joni Killian, soprano; Indiana Wesleyan faculty member Lisa Dawson, alto; Taylor University faculty member Dr. Shederick Whipple, tenor; and Ball State student Brayton Arvin, baritone. Dr. George W. Killian, Huntington University associate professor and director of choral activities and music education, will be the conductor for the performance.
The event is free and open to the public.