Buies Creek, N.C.—Campbell University will present a performance of the powerful Christmas classic, Handel’s “Messiah,” on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 4 p.m. in Scott Concert Hall of the Taylor-Bott-Rogers Fine Arts Center. Admission is free. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring canned food items for donation to an area food bank.
Handel’s “Messiah” is the scriptural rendering of the story of Christ set to music by one of the world’s most gifted composers. The most famous chorus of all time, the “Hallelujah Chorus,” is the centerpiece of the work. Other highlights include “Every Valley, “O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion,” For Unto Us a Child is Born,” “The Trumpet Shall Sound” and “Worthy is the Lamb That was Slain.”
“This presentation promises to be unique in at least two ways,” said Dr. Phillip Morrow, director of Choral Activities and performance conductor. “First, community folk are invited to sing the familiar choruses with the performers, as the format is to be that of a ‘Messiah’ sing-a-long. Second, the performance will feature the full oratorio, rather than portions of it, as is commonly heard around Christmas and Easter.”
The Campbell University Choral Society will make up the core vocal ensemble with community and student singers invited to join in the singing of each chorus. Also included in the ensemble are the orchestra and soloists. Featured soloists include Campbell Voice faculty soprano, Dr. Sally Thomas, and area guest artists Rachel Stenbuck McKee, Kathy Sutter and Susan Morrow.
“I hope people will bring their ‘Messiah’ scores and come prepared to sing with us,” said Morrow. “This is a rare opportunity to hear the whole oratorio in one performance. It is an exercise in stamina for both choir and audience, but it should be a wonderful event.”
Campbell will provide copies of the score to audience members as needed.