WVU Choral Program Presents ‘Messiah’

The WVU Voice Faculty and Choral Area presented the Easter portion (Parts II and III) of George Frideric Handel’s most famous oratorio, ”Messiah,” on Palm Sunday, April 5.

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Recorded on April 5, 2009

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Written in 1741, this monumental work has stood the test of time, becoming one of the world’s best known musical compositions. Originally written for a concert to benefit one of Handel’s favorite charities, the Foundling Hospital in Dublin, the three-part oratorio focuses on the Biblical account of the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. Part I is considered the “Christmas Portion” and Parts II & III are typically labeled as the “Easter Portion.” This performance rounds out the WVU Division of Music’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death.

New voice faculty members Hope Koehler, soprano, Nicholas Perna, tenor, and William Koehler, bass, will join with Morgantown favorite Catharine Thieme, mezzo soprano, to serve as soloists for this performance. Accompaniment is by Dr. William Haller on the Concert Theatre pipe organ. The WVU Choral Area, augmented by frequent collaborators from the Southwest Virginia Community College Community Chorus, will serve as the choir. Kathleen Shannon, director of Choral Activities at WVU will conduct.