SFA Choirs and community chorus to present Handel's 'Messiah'

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University combined choirs, Orchestra of the Pines and Nacogdoches Community Chorus will present George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, 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 I 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 graduate student Marie Rozell of Brownsboro; Grand Prairie senior Kristin Richards; and juniors Hannah Frazier of Stephenville and Leslie Laney of Gilmer. Altos are senior Claudia Salazar and junior Briana Selman, both of Nacogdoches.

Tenor solos will be sung by senior Joseph Dennis and junior Joshua Dennis (both of McKinney) and Dallas junior PJ Lopez. Houston freshman Cairee Mayfield and Livingston senior Casey Jones Parrish will sing the bass solos.

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.

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.