[173] Handel's 'Messiah' marks 28th year at MTSU School of Music

FOR RELEASE: Nov. 21, 2012

EDITORIAL CONTACT: Tim Musselman, 615-898-2493 or tim.musselman@mtsu.edu

MURFREESBORO — The MTSU Concert Chorale and Middle Tennessee Choral Society will present one of the greatest works associated with the holiday season, Handel’s “Messiah,” to the community on Dec. 2 and 3.

Concerts are scheduled at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, and at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, in Hinton Music Hall inside MTSU’s Wright Music Building.

About 140 choristers, along with harpsichord and chamber orchestra, will perform the Christmas portion of the work, which includes some of its most popular recitatives, arias and choruses.

The choruses to be performed include “And the glory of the Lord,” “And He shall purify,” “For unto us a child is born,” “Glory to God” and the ever-popular “Hallelujah” chorus.

"We are pleased to once again present this most beloved oratorio to our Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee community," said Dr. Raphael Bundage, director of choral studies at MTSU and conductor for the Middle Tennessee Choral Society.

Soloists for the Dec. 2 performance include Stephen White, Drew Jenkins, Corbin Phillips, Emily Dennis, Garrett Doo, Bill Hennings, Elizabeth Bumpas, Kristine Phillips, Elizabeth Elliott, Kayla Allsop, Sarah Wofford, Beth Ann Stripling, Bethany Landers and Morgan Myers.

Bumpus, Phillips, Elliott, Allsop, Stripling and Landers will return as soloists for the Dec. 3 performance, joined by soloists Jonathan Thibado, Sam Hagler, Will Duke, Virginia Daugherty, Caleb Imboden, Spencer Miller, Sarah Upchurch and Kayla Holt.

Tickets for each performance are $10 at the door. MTSU faculty, staff and students will be admitted free with valid IDs.

For more MTSU School of Music concert information, call 615-898-2493 or visit www.mtsumusic.com and click on the "Concert Calendar" link.

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