NWC News Desk

Northwest Civic Orchestra, Master Chorale and College Choir perform "Messiah" Saturday, Dec. 15, at NWC

Posted December 5, 2012

By NWC News Desk

POWELL, Wyo. - The Northwest Civic Orchestra, Master Chorale and Northwest College Choir join together to perform Handel’s “Messiah” at a 7:30 p.m. concert Saturday, Dec. 15, in the Nelson Performing Arts Center Auditorium.

Intended as a thought-provoking work for Easter and Lent, “Messiah” over the years has become more of a Christmastime tradition.

The audience this year will be treated to portions of all three parts representing Christ’s prophecy, passion and promise, not just the Christmas scene. The “Messiah” was first performed in Dublin in 1742 for a charity concert. So that the largest possible audience could be admitted, gentlemen were requested to remove their swords and ladies were asked not to wear hoops in their dresses.

The tradition of standing for the familiar “Hallelujah Chorus” has accompanied “Messiah” performances through the centuries.

Conductors are Anissa Bree for the Master Chorale, Jan Kliewer for the Northwest College Choir and Tim Schoessler for the combined choirs and Northwest Civic Orchestra.

Soloists are Rachel Willis from Basin, Marie Frame of Cody, Terrell Neale of Dubois, Jess Preis of Greybull, Lisa Schoessler from Powell and Michael Lechner of Star Valley.

General admission to the Dec. 15 concert is $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, and free to students with ID.