Messiah, A Holiday Tradition At Hastings College

Handel composed "Messiah" more than 250 years ago and for one Central Nebraska College a production of Handel's work has become a part of their holiday tradition.

Music historians say messiah was meant to be an Easter offering, but in America it's become a Christmas-time favorite, and one Nebraska College has been performing it every few years for more than 80 years.

For the Hastings College Music Department this year Christmas started in October - that's when they began rehearsing for their, production of Handel's Messiah.

The chair of the music department says this is the 25th production of Messiah since the first in 1928.

"We want each generation of Hastings College students to experience the Messiah either by participating in it as a member of the choir or the orchestra or part of the staff that helps us or attend it as a student, " Chair of Hastings College Music Department, Dr. Robin Koozer said.

High school and community choirs are also a part of the performance. Sophomore Hannah Jensen says this will be a chance for her to sing Handel's work as part of the college choir.

"I am really excited, I think it's a really great thing, and it's really awesome to see so many people involved in it. I was in it when I was in high school the last time they did it, so it's kind of a different experience being in it as a high schooler and now as a college student, " Sophomore Music Major Hannah Jensen said.

"Just the rehearsals with Dr. Mountford and the community choir, it's just been great, so enthusiastic and also learning how to sing Messiah kind of in the actual Baroque style," Junior Music Major Zachary Peterson said.

The music department says Messiah is one of the college's oldest traditions, and an event that helps draw students to the school - since many of Sunday's participants aren't even music majors.

"That is a draw at Hastings College that our students get to participate fully in things like Messiah - it's just one example of a huge number of amazing things that we do," Professor of Music, Dr. Fritz Mountford said.

Mountford says the production will also feature alumni guest conductors and soloists who now perform professionally.

Source: http://www.1011now.com/home/headlines/Messiah_Holiday_Tradition_At_Hastings_College_136212473.html

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