MOUNT VERNON – Mount Vernon Nazarene University will present the 54th annual performance of G. F. Handel’s “Messiah” on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m., in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium on the MVNU campus. Tickets are $5 per person, or $20 per family, and can be purchased at the door or in advance at www.mvnu.edu/music.
This year’s presentation will be performed by the MVNU Choral Union, faculty, guest soloists and a chamber orchestra. The featured soloists are Elizabeth Barrett, former MVNU music faculty member; Carolyn Redman, 1989 MVNU music alumna, classical performer, and voice faculty at Denison University; and Tyler Skidmore, 2004 MVNU music alumnus, music specialist with the Medina, Ohio, City School District and frequent area vocalist. Returning for his 24th year as bass soloist is David Templeton, associate professor of voice and head of the Voice Area at the College of Charleston, Charleston, S.C. John Packard, MVNU Music Department chair, and Dr. Isaac Winland, director of bands at Hiram College and former MVNU music adjunct, will assist on trumpet. Dr. Timothy Guenther, organist at Ashland University and Grace Episcopal Church in Mansfield, will return as the harpsichordist, and Sharon Blaydes is the concertmaster.
The 160-voice Choral Union includes the combined choirs of MVNU as well as faculty, staff, alumni and community singers. Conducting the performance will be Dr. Robert Tocheff, 1972 alumnus, professor of music in the MVNU Music Department.
MVNU has been offering Handel’s “Messiah” to the central Ohio community for over 50 years. The department is seeking sponsors, including alumni and businesses, who desire to invest in the future of the “Messiah” presentation and in the MVNU Music Department. To contribute financially to support this program, visit http://www.mvnu.edu/givenow and select “Other Areas to Support” and then “Messiah.” For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Packard at John.Packard@mvnu.edu or Dr. Tocheff at Bob.Tocheff@mvnu.edu.
For more information, visit www.mvnu.edu/music or contact Tressa Daley at 740-397-9000, Ext. 3000.
