The West Liberty University division of music and Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church present George Frideric Handel’s classic and beloved choral composition “Messiah” at 3 p.m. on Dec. 4 at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church, 905 National Rd., in Wheeling.
The performance is free and open to the public. The doors will open at 2 p.m. Seating is limited on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets are available for guaranteed seating. Call (304) 232-0980 for more information.
Prof. Alfred R. DeJaager will conduct the University Chorus and Concert Choir, accompanied by a chamber orchestra assembled by Ben Podolski. Student soloists include Ashley Carroll, Alan Cline, M. Matthias Dotson, Christopher Hardy, Brittany Kimball, Michael Murphy, Lois Alexandra Perkins, Kassidy Wells and Timothi Williams.
There will be the option to “Sing In.” Anyone who owns a score to the oratorio and would like to sing along with the WLU choral groups is encouraged to bring it.
In addition, the public is invited to attend a pre-concert lecture at 2:15 p.m. in the sanctuary of Vance Memorial Church. Radio host Howard Monroe will discuss the history of the oratorio “Messiah,” which Handel composed in 1741.
The concert is presented by West Liberty University’s Division of Music and Vance Memorial Church with funding from the Arts and Ideas Program.