On December 7 and 8, 2012, the Brigham Young University–Hawaii Concert Choir and the
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Chamber Orchestra will perform Handel’s Messiah. Students and directors went through rigorous preparation throughout Fall semester and are excited to showcase this traditional Christmas oratorio. “Realizing we had to learn all of that difficult material was overwhelming at first, but I’m so glad to be a part of this experience,” said Crosby Curry, a sophomore in concert choir. “There’s something truly special about this music.”
Messiah was written by George Frideric Handel, a German-born composer. He composed Messiah in 1742, and since its creation it has been a fixture of the Christmas season. Heard in performance halls around the world, the Messiah has stood the test of time and is still being featured today. The text of the oratorio is scriptural, highlighting verses from the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, John and other books in the Bible. The scriptural texts are brought to life through featured soloists and large choral and orchestral movements.
The soloists for this performance were chosen by the conductor of the Chamber Orchestra, Dr. Daniel Bradshaw, and the director of the Concert Choir, Michael Belnap, through an audition process. Chelsea Potter, a senior in vocal performance and one of the chosen soloists stated, “It has always been a dream of mine to have a solo in the Messiah,” she said. “It is an honor to help portray the love of our Savior so that everyone will feel the same sweet spirit that I feel.”
The message of the Messiah is powerful, even more so for those involved in its performance and presentation. “I have always had a great respect for this work, but conducting it this semester has given me the opportunity to know it more deeply,” said Bradshaw. “I am thrilled to be conducting these performances of Handel’s Messiah.”
In the first part of the performance, the audience will hear proclamations of the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ including recitatives and arias from featured soloists exclaiming the glory of the Lord, as well as messages of rejoicing to all people. In part two, the mournful message of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is sung, and ends with the venerable “Hallelujah!” chorus. And finally in part three, the proclamation that the Lord and Savior lives is portrayed.
“In a way, Handel's work is a perfect fit for BYU-Hawaii where sacred and secular learning go hand in hand,” Bradshaw said. “Handel's music meets the highest professional standards of his day, but it is also a work of great faith and devotion. I hope the students and community of BYU-Hawaii will take advantage of this opportunity to participate in a live performance of Handel's Messiah.” “Attending Messiah will be a wonderful, spiritual experience or all during this holiday season,” said Ben Hoff, a senior in music. “Come and be uplifted through the spirit of music.
The performances on December 7-8 begin promptly at 7:30 PM in the McKay Auditorium. Tickets are available at the Aloha Center Front Desk or at the box office on the evenings of the performances. Admission is free.
Photo courtesy of Cammie Easley.