Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's performances. Here is a sampling of photos and reactions:
"Singing Handel’s Messiah is one of my most favorite things to do at Christmas time. I’m so fortunate to live in a small town that loves the arts and provides this masterpiece as a gift to the community. There were over 200 people on the stage between the orchestra and the chorale. What a wonderful way to get in the Christmas Spirit by worshiping through inspired music."
Guizella Rocabado, Chorale member
Sunday Performance Photos
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| Choir warming up downstairs on Sunday |
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| Team getting ready to handle tickets |
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| Audience starts to arrive |
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| Cody Stratton provided lobby music on Sunday |
"This was an excellent Messiah! I've done well over a hundred from massive choirs and orchestras to an electric organ and a dozen aged chorus members. This one was up near the top. The soloist may not have all been world class singers but they all did very well with their experience and skill set. I was amazed considering what I heard at the audition. These folks worked very hard to do some very hard music. And, I didn't see the egos or competitiveness I often have to work with from soloists or choristers, conductors & orchestra. I felt this group is doing this work for all the right reasons. I felt community and fellowship from everyone I encountered. I greatly enjoyed my run throughs with the orchestra and the rehearsals with the choir. My experience in the chorus was that there is a wonderful mix of skill levels where the end result is greater than the parts. This ensemble conquered some of the most difficult pieces of music confidently."
Steve Grabe, Sunday Soloist
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| Part of the soloists and directors on Sunday |
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| Thanks to David Torres for this photo of himself and Andrew Briggs, soloist |
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| Dr. Sun with Chorale members after the performance on Sunday |
Honestly dear, you have perfected the tempos and brought emphasis to every single piece. You have limited ornamentation but still allowed for it. There is no delay transitioning even with switching conductors. The use of the harpsichord, timpani drums and the concert trumpet was inspiring as well as brother Briggs fabulous acclamation. It truly is a work of art. The orchestra kept up and all the soloists were fabulous. I even got to hear the soloist choke up singing Redeemer which brought added emotion to her very stirring performance. It was spontaneous I'm sure but actually was the perfect place to express added emotion. I will remember that particular performance for many years. It was very moving. There were quite a few young people in the balcony who probably did not appreciate as I did what they were hearing. But those of us who have heard Messiah played for decades were captivated.
Bryan Jackson, OSU Board Member and Director Jackie Riddle-Jackson's husband
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| Backstage |
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| Before the Sunday performance |
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| Thanks to Carmen Alldredge for arranging the 9th Ward cookies for after the performance |
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| Soloists and Directors on Monday |
