Defiance College to host 44th annual performance of Handel's "Messiah"

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The 44^th annual Defiance College community performance of Handel’s “Messiah” will once again provide an inspirational opportunity for area residents to begin their holiday season. The event will be at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Defiance St. John United Church of Christ.

While the tradition is nearly 90 years in age, 38 consecutive performances were led with the late Dr. Richard Stroede holding the baton. He revived the tradition in 1974, initially performing the Christmas section and singing from the balcony of the church with organist Carolyn Small. Dr. Stroede’s final performance was in 2009, only months before his untimely death. From the original 30 singers, the group quickly grew and was moved to the front of the sanctuary, now including more than 80 singers. This is the sixth year that the performance will be conducted by Andrew Schultz, Director of Music Programs at Defiance College.

“Messiah” is one of the more popular pieces in the world’s choral literature. The work was composed in the summer of 1741 and first performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742. Originally, it was intended to be performed in a secular theater during Lent, though it is now usually performed during Advent. “Messiah” is frequently presented in churches, as it will be for this event. In many cases, only the Christmas section is performed, with the addition of “Hallelujah,” though full performances are also found. In the Defiance performance, the entire Christmas section is included prior to intermission with selections from the later section following.

This event is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken at the end of the performance. Those wishing to make additional contributions to this performance may mail a check payable to Defiance College, to Andrew Schultz, Director of Music Programs, Defiance College, 701 N. Clinton St., Defiance, OH 43512.

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.