84th Handel’s Messiah Set for Dec. 8 and 9

84th Handel’s Messiah Set for Dec. 8 and 9

– By Sara Penny –

Musical milestones set the Christmas spirit. The Orchestra of Southern Utah and Chorale present Cedar City’s 84th performance of Handel’s Messiah on Sunday and Monday, Dec. 8 and 9, at 7:30 PM in the Heritage Theatre at 105 N. 100 East. To reserve seating go to the website myosu.org. This production is funded by the generous sponsorships of the Leavitt Group, Dixie and Anne Leavitt Foundation, and the State Bank of Southern Utah, and performed with the volunteer service of the orchestra and chorale. It is a gift to the community. Attendees are encouraged to reserve their seating in advance, as full houses are usual.

Handel wrote the music for Messiah in 1741 with text organized from the King James Bible and Coverdale Psalter by Charles Jennens. The oratorio tells the story of Christ in three chapters, corresponding to His birth, death, and resurrection. The piece takes its audience on an emotional and spiritual journey, climaxing with the famous “Hallelujah Chorus,” and ending with a reverent and uplifting series of “amen.” The oratorio form was invented by Handel to provide employment to musicians and singers during Lent, when opera was not performed. By using scripture as text it was possible to perform during this religious time of contemplation before Easter. It premiered in Dublin in April of 1742.

The first performance of Handel’s Messiah in Cedar City was on New Year’s Day in 1925. Beginning in 1940, it became a seasonal tradition. Originally performed by Southern Utah University (called the Branch Agricultural College back then), the Orchestra of Southern Utah has since taken up the responsibility.

Cedar City has a long and vibrant history with the musical arts. From the earliest Mormon pioneers who used fiddle music and dancing to keep warm through the cold winters, to the Cedar City Band who would perform in the City Park, and later as an official military unit with the US Army, the musical residents of Cedar City have consistently come together to support their community. Directed by ambitious and dedicated leaders such as Orien Dalley, Roy L. Halversen, June Thorley, and Hal Campbell, the orchestral scene grew to proportions unheard of for a small town. Currently there are orchestras in the public schools as well as at the university.

Jackie Riddle-Jackson will be directing and conducting this year’s performances with assistance from Alex Byers. Vocal soloists are chosen by audition. Soloists this year are Wes Buckwalter, Joseph Morrow, Krystal Wallis, Beatrice Gerfin, Kristin Briggs, Teresa Hardy, Nitza Brooks, Lehi Moran, Zachary Smith, Jessie Byers, Alex Byers, Stephanie Wood, Shelly Forsman, and Dee Holt. The famous trumpet solo for “The Trumpet Will Sound” will be performed by Will Zeller.

Lobby music before the performance will be Southern Utah Handbell Choir on Sunday and The Accidental 5 Brass Quintet on Monday.

Tickets may be reserved at myosu.org. The limit per person is six tickets. Only request those you will use.

Please be seated by 7:15, at which time empty seats will be released. Children over 6 with adult supervision are welcome, but no babies please, as the performance is recorded.