Michigan State University’s College of Music is once again bringing a holiday tradition to Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall at 8 p.m. Dec. 10 with a performance of Handel’s "Messiah."
Two-hundred-twenty choristers and 40 instrumentalists will come together on stage under the direction of Jonathan Reed, associate director of choral programs at MSU, for this concert.
The mass choir of students and community members comprises MSU Community Music School’s Choral Union and the College of Music’s University Chorale and State Singers. MSU Symphony Orchestra will accompany the choir. Four students were selected as soloists: Catherine Goode, soprano; Christine Roberts, mezzo-soprano; David Anderson, tenor; and Nicholas Kreider, baritone.
Reed says that this is a wonderful opportunity for the student soloists because concert solo singing varies greatly from the operatic style. “The vocalists are always so excited to perform with orchestra. There is something uniquely fulfilling and festive about it,” says Reed.
The 18th-century oratorio is famous for its Hallelujah Chorus, and the College of Music production will include the entire first part, much of part II and selections from part III. This performance is a nod at a 25-year tradition of an annual “Messiah” concert at the College of Music from 1978-2003.
This concert is sponsored by Jeff D. Williams, and is part of the MSU Federal Credit Union Showcase Series.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (age 60 and older) and $10 for students with ID and anyone under 18, and can be purchased at Wharton Center’s box office, call (517) 432-2000, (800) WHARTON, whartoncenter.com or at the door.