Minot's 95th performance of Handel's ‘Messiah’
MINOT, N.D. – For nearly a century, Minot instrumentalists and singers have brought “Messiah” to life for the Minot community.
The cherished tradition will take place on the Ann Nicole Nelson Hall stage at Minot State on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public, with free-will offerings collected by Minot State University students raising funds for scholarships at MSU.
Many musicians have selflessly donated their time and energy because of their love of music. In response to the increase in demand for musicians’ time and the challenge of assembling an orchestra capable of performing “Messiah,” Minot State’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts has partnered with the MSU Development Foundation to create the Messiah Endowment. The endowment will ensure that musicians are compensated for their work while keeping the concerts free for the community.
“The Messiah Endowment is our way of preserving this cherished tradition and ensuring it continues to enrich our community for years to come. This performance is more than a holiday favorite — it’s an incredible educational experience for Minot State music students, offering them the chance to study and perform one of the most iconic works in classical music. By supporting the endowment, you help sustain this tradition and its impact,” said Abbie (Naze) Eads ’15, Minot State Development Foundation development officer and data analyst. “Gifts can be made through the MSU Development Foundation by mailing a gift to 500 University Ave West, Minot, ND 58701, or online at minotstateu.edu/give and designating your gift to the Messiah Endowment.”
Soloists for this year’s performance include students Christina Larsen, Megan Kramer, Kylee Cook, Ethan Pedersen, Evan Putt, and Eric Furuseth, Minot State associate professor of English. Alongside these soloists, the participation of volunteer singers has increased.
“This year's ‘Messiah’ will feature a few added choruses and an accompanied tenor recitative from the second part of the oratorio that are some of my favorites. The rehearsals have been an absolute joy! Watching singers who performed this with Strohm, Nelson, or Hegstad standing alongside my students and members of the Minot community — each of us raising our voices together — is, without a doubt, one of the most thrilling and democratic experiences I can think of,” Emerson Eads said. “Reflecting on my own memories of learning this music as a young lad and the people I stood next to makes all the work behind organizing and preparing this concert truly worthwhile.
“Ultimately, we’re doing this for our love of this incredible music and for the benefit of the students at Minot State University.”
Handel’s "Messiah" was originally an Easter offering, first appearing on a Dublin stage in 1742 before becoming the Christmas season tradition it is today. Except for the 1967 blizzard and 2020 COVID-19 restrictions, the "Messiah" has been a fixture of the Minot holiday season for almost a century.
Emerson Eads, Minot State assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, reflected on all who have contributed to this long-standing tradition.
“None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our community's choral organizations, gifted orchestral musicians, and the remarkable directors who have shaped this tradition over the years — John Strohm, Wayne Nelson ’60, Joe Hegstad, Gary Walth, Mark Schnabel ’74, Bob Demke, and Kenneth Bowles,” Emerson Eads said. “This musical performance is a legacy we all hold dear. We invite you to join us in celebrating this treasured tradition, which transcends time and lives on in the hearts of the musicians who carry it forward. Your support ensures that this beloved tradition will continue to shine for generations to come.”
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 11/25/24
