Singers unite for regional performance of Handel's 'Messiah'
The Heritage Singers men's chorus, the Voices of Note women's chorus, the Minot State University Concert Choir and community singers, including high school students, will join in the performance of Handel's "Messiah" Sunday (Dec. 2) in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall at 4 p.m. They will be directed by Ken Bowles, Division of Music chair.
"MSU is proud to host the annual 83rd consecutive performance of "Messiah" in Minot," Bowles said. "The chorus is comprised of community, church, public school and university singers. Selected soloists are MSU music students and alumni."
Each year, the three sponsoring choirs present the "Christmas Portion" of the famous oratorio. This year marks the 103th anniversary of Minot's first performance of "Messiah." Admission is a free-will offering, and everyone is welcome.
Event proceeds are directed to the Joseph Hegstad Music Scholarship and the John Strohm Music Scholarship funds for MSU music students.
"Messiah" also celebrates the legacies of Hegstad and Strohm, professors emeritus, who were music division chairs.
Hegstad served as choral director for the Concert Choir, Vagabond Male Chorus and the Jazz Madrigal Singers. A founding member and former director of the Heritage Singers, he is credited for continuing the traditional December performance of "Messiah." In 1992, the Minot Symphony Orchestra and MSU Concert Choir chose not to continue with the piece. Hegstad combined the Heritage Singers and Voices of Note to sustain the perennial favorite.
Strohm directed the MSU Concert Choir and the MSU Women's Chorus for numerous years. For 24 years, he was instrumental in organizing community performances of the "Messiah," which were held at the Minot Municipal Auditorium.
For questions about "Messiah," contact the music division at 858-3185.
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Published: 11/26/12 |