The Stephen F. Austin State University combined choirs and orchestra and Nacogdoches Community Chorus will present George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, in W.M. Turner Auditorium.
Handel’s three-part oratorio, or unstaged opera, about the life of the messiah, was first performed in 1742. One of the most performed and popular choral works, it is appreciated by audiences all over the globe, said Tim King, SFA professor of music and the concert’s director.
In keeping with the Nacogdoches tradition, the combined choirs and orchestra will perform Part 1 of “Messiah,” popularly known as “the Christmas portion” and the famous “Hallelujah Chorus.”
SFA vocal students, who went through a rigorous audition process, will sing the solos, King explained. Sopranos are Spring freshman Elise Baldwin, Spring senior Kelsy Holt, Cleburne senior Haley Nettleton, and junior Page Madison of Carterville, Ill. Altos are Nacogdoches senior Amber Fontenot and Woodville senior Shelby Tillery.
Senior Joseph Dennis and graduate student Joshua Dennis (both of McKinney) and Dallas senior PJ Lopez will sing the tenor solos. Bass soloists are Livingston senior Casey Jones Parrish and Jacksonville junior Stephen Hanna.
Prior to the concert, the SFA Madrigal Singers will be performing in the lobby. At the evening’s conclusion, the audience will be invited to participate in a carol sing-along.
The concert is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. It is sponsored in part by Nacogdoches Medical Center.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, please call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.
