April 13, 2015

SVSU choirs to perform Handel’s ‘Messiah’

The choirs of Saginaw Valley State University will sing George Friedrich Handel’s classic work  “Messiah” Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. in SVSU’s Rhea Miller Recital Hall.  

Kevin Simons, SVSU assistant professor of music, will conduct the concert.  

“I chose to do ‘Messiah’ this year since our students need an opportunity to sing one of the great masterworks of Western music,” Simons said.  “They have learned a great deal in preparing to sing such a large piece.”

Famous choruses include “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” “Worthy is the Lamb” and “Hallelujah.”

Cheryl Cheger-Timm will accompany the choirs, Cardinal Singers and the SVSU concert choir,  on the university's new Hauptwerk Virtual Organ.

In a departure from the traditional practice of singing “Messiah,” 12 soloists drawn from members of the SVSU student body will sing the arias and duets and the piece will be sung by two choirs, sometimes together and sometimes in alternation.  

“We have terrific singers at SVSU,” Simons said, “both music majors and non-majors, and I thought it would be interesting to have our students learn the solos and duets rather than hiring professionals.”   

The concert is open to the public; admission is free of charge. For more information, visit call (989) 964-4159 or visit svsu.edu/music.