Combined Choirs to Perform "Handel's Messiah: Selections for the Easter Season"
April 25, 2024
"Handel's Messiah: Selections for the Easter Season" Performanced Planned April 30
The Walters State Department of Music and Theatre will blend 78 singers and a 12-piece orchestra to present a rare performance of “Handel’s Messiah: Selections for the Easter Season” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30 at Morristown West High School. The concert is free.
Clay Ogelsby, director of the Walters State Choir, will serve as conductor. Featured singers are soprano Dr. Elissa Hodge, director of music and theatre at the college; alto Kaitlyn Younger, choir director at Morristown West High School; and tenor Matthew Mimbs, director of music at Knoxville’s Second Presbyterian Church.
The combined choir includes members Walters State Chamber Choir, the men’s and women’s ensembles, the Walters State Community Choir and the Morristown West High School Advanced Choir.
“Most people are familiar with the first section of ‘Handel’s Messiah,’” said Ogelsby. “The first section celebrates the birth of Christ. The second section tells of Christ’s life on Earth, his death and his resurrection. The third part focuses on the coming resurrection and Christ’s glorification in Heaven.”
The most familiar piece in the musical composition, “The Hallelujah Chorus,” is almost always performed as part of the first section of the music, but Handel officially included it in the second section, and it will be part of this performance, Ogelsby said.
“‘The Hallelujah Chorus’ is a beautiful piece of music, and it completes this second part of this composition,” Ogelsby said. “We sing about the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ. I think many of the people attending the concert may have heard what is traditionally thought as ‘Handel’s Messiah,’ which is only the first section. This will be a new experience.”