Defiance College to present 46th annual “Messiah” performance

December 4, 2017

DEFIANCE, Ohio - The 46th annual Defiance College community performance of Handel’s “Messiah” will be at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Defiance St. John United Church of Christ. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

The community-based Choral Union is collaborating with the Toledo Symphony strings, community winds, and both community and professional soloists. The musicians will perform the beloved Christmas portion and selected works from this masterpiece.

The Choral Union is Defiance College's community choir. This choir performs varied works, involving a fall concert, Handel’s Messiah, and a large work each spring. This year, the Chamber Singers and Choral Union accepted an invitation to perform at the world-famous Carnegie Hall in June of 2018.

The ensembles are under the direction of Dr. Jim Watson, Director of Music Programs, with piano accompaniment by Hannah Watson.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public. The ushers will collect a free-will offering at the conclusion of the concert.

 “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.

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.