FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/14/2006

Handel's Messiah Returns to Bridgewater College

BRIDGEWATER, Va. — Bridgewater College will present "Messiah," a perennial Christmas favorite, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, with a repeat performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, in the Carter Center for Worship and Music located at the corner of East College and Third streets.

The concert, directed by Dr. Jesse E. Hopkins Jr., the Edwin L. Turner Distinguished Professor of Music, features the Oratorio Choir along with orchestra. Larry Taylor, assistant professor of music, will serve as organ and harpsichord accompanist.

"Messiah" was first performed in April 1742 in Dublin, Ireland, as a benefit concert to aid those in jail and to support a hospital and an infirmary. In the 264 years since then, the oratorio has become a familiar part of the Christmas season with its "Hallelujah Chorus" among the best-known pieces of choral music.

The choir of approximately 80 singers includes students, faculty and alumni. Bridgewater College students will be featured soloists. The orchestra features faculty, students and persons from the local community.

Soloists include Eric Belcher, a junior from Frederick, Md.; Meredith Ann Crawford, a junior from Crozet, Va.; Kristen Everett, a junior from Haymarket, Va.; Megan Elizabeth Mudge, a junior from Staunton, Va.; Josh Randall, a junior from Waynesboro, Va.; Brandon M. Showalter, a senior from Broadway, Va.; Kara Showalter, a sophomore from Broadway, Va.; Jessica Flory Steury, a freshman from Kettering, Ohio; Logan Strawderman, a senior from Manassas, Va.; and Sarah Wick, a junior from Virginia Beach, Va.

The Bridgewater College Oratorio Choir is organized each fall to prepare a program to open the Christmas season. Messiah is presented frequently at the College in order to give every student the opportunity to sing the Handel oratorio during his or her college career.

Both concerts are open to the public at no charge. Doors will open one hour before the performance.

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