One of the most-anticipated Christmas traditions in the Golden Triangle returns Tuesday, Dec. 13, when an area-wide choir of approximately 125 voices and a professional orchestra present George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.”
Performances will be at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church at 823 College St., Columbus. Doug Browning of First United Methodist Church and Mississippi University for Women will conduct.
There is no charge to attend, but tickets to ensure seating are recommended. They are available in downtown Columbus at Annunciation Church, First United Methodist Church and Party and Paper.
James Allen, associate professor of music at MUW, has been a force behind this annual concert since its inception 11 years ago.
“In the late summer of 2001, my daughter, Elizabeth (Swartz), and I felt the need for making available a community ‘Messiah’ for any individual who desired to sing in such an endeavor,” Allen said.
The master organist expressed deep appreciation for all who have contributed to “making it work” — including those who have donated goods and services or raised funds to meet expenses, and to Annunciation Catholic Church “for making available its incomparable sanctuary.”
Soloists at this year’s performances are sopranos Cherry Dunn of MUW, and Elizabeth Swartz; contralto Cassandra Latimer; tenor Roderick George of the University of Montavallo; and bass Chris O’Rear of the University of Alabama.
An eight-member string orchestra will be joined by Nancy Kennedy on harpsichord, Allen on organ, Robert Damm of Mississippi State University on percussion, and Mike Huff of the University of Montavallo on trumpet.
“Both Elizabeth and I are deeply gratified by the apparent success of this project, evidenced by a large choir and full house each year,” Allen remarked.
Handel’s oratorio was first performed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1742. After an initial modest reception, it gained in popularity and has become one of the most widely-known choral works, especially during the Christmas season.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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