Nov. 17, 2009
Contact Jean Saladino at 608-796-3771 or jesaladino@viterbo.edu
VITERBO UNIVERSITY TO PRESENT HANDEL’S MESSIAH DEC. 5–6
LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Concert Choir and an orchestra of performers from throughout the region will perform Part I of George Frederic Handel’s epic masterpiece, Messiah, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.
Audience members will instantly feel the Christmas spirit as Messiah beautifully tells the story of the prophecies and the Nativity. The work is the most beloved of Handel’s oratorios and is the most frequently performed piece of music in the English language.
This performance is directed by Viterbo music department faculty member Jean Saladino. It coincides with the Viterbo Concert Choir’s tour to London from Sunday, Dec. 27–Monday, Jan. 4. On this trip, the choir will be participating with choirs from around the United States and London and will perform at Southwark Cathedral with conductor Eric Dale Knapp. This performance is scheduled for New Year’s Day and commemorates the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death. Viterbo is especially proud to have four students selected by audition to sing solos at the London performance—Marysa Abbas, Elayne Juten, Michael Rangel, and Katherine Weber.
Messiah is part of Viterbo’s Bright Star Season and is co-sponsored by US Bank and Fox 25/48.
Tickets are $17 for main floor, $16 for lower balcony, and $13 for upper balcony seating. For more information, contact the Viterbo box office at 608-796-3100 or visit www.viterbo.edu/fac.