CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Christmas in Southern Utah wouldn’t be the same without the Southwest Symphony’s beloved annual performances of Handel’s “Messiah.” Featuring breathtaking solos and soaring choruses, this soul-stirring composition tells the story of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through music.
Continuing a beloved holiday tradition, the Southwest Symphony will perform “Messiah” on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9. Experience the timeless majesty of one of the greatest oratorios ever composed as these talented musicians bring Handel’s rich score to life.
“We want this to be an uplifting and edifying experience,” music director Lucas Darger said. “It’s a holiday favorite. People love it, and it’s become a tradition throughout the world.”
George Frideric Handel composed his masterpiece in 1741 with text based on Biblical passages. Centuries later, “Messiah” remains among the most frequently performed choral works in the Western world. The Southwest Symphony has performed the oratorio nearly every holiday season for over 30 years.
This year, the Southwest Symphony will be joined onstage by Lieto Voices!, a community choir based in the greater St. George area. Guest soloists include Emily Workman (soprano), Aubrey Adams-McMillan (alto) and Grammy winner Thomas Glenn (tenor), all of whom audiences may remember from the Southwest Symphony’s recent performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Seth Keeton (bass-baritone), an associate professor of voice at the University of Utah, will also be featured.
“It’s an amazing piece of music, and it reaches a really wide variety of audiences,” Darger said. “It talks about peace on Earth and mankind loving one another, universal themes that are so important, and so important right now.”
Handel’s “Messiah” will be held at the Cox Performing Arts Center in St. George and starts at 7:30 p.m. both nights. The approximate runtime is 90 minutes. Children under age 5 are not permitted.
Ticket prices range between $15.50 and $38 depending on the section. Discounts are available for students and seniors, as well as attendees who buy four or more tickets to the same performance. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the Utah Tech University ticket office at 435-652-7800.
Don’t miss your chance to be swept away by the power and beauty of live orchestral music during the Southwest Symphony’s 43rd performance season. This fascinating and diverse series of concerts will explore everything from centuries-old masterpieces to contemporary compositions.
The season will resume in the spring with two unforgettable performances celebrating American composers. “American Voices” commemorates the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with a guest appearance from Grammy-winning pianist Jeffrey Biegel. Audiences will also be among the first to hear Peter Boyer’s “Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue,” which honors the history and spirit of America through a blend of contemporary and traditional styles.
Originally assembled as a handful of local musicians seeking a venue for sharing classical music with the community, the Southwest Symphony is now an auditioned group of about 80 professional and skilled amateur performers. Alongside renowned guest soloists, the passionate musicians and staff work tirelessly to produce quality concerts every season.
“We’ve got a really supportive and volunteer-driven community that cares about and believes in what we’re trying to accomplish,” Darger said. “We’re fortunate to have a lot of people willing to help make it happen.”
Visit the Southwest Symphony website for more details on upcoming shows and to learn how your support helps advance the performing arts in Southern Utah.
Event details
- What: Southwest Symphony presents Handel’s “Messiah.”
- When: Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9, starting at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Cox Performing Arts Center, 335 S. 700 East, St. George.
- Tickets: $15.50-$38.
- Resources: Website.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Resources
- Southwest Symphony | Telephone: 435-767-9800 | Email: [email protected] | Website.
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