MSSU Masterworks series to present Handel's Messiah

 (From Southern News Service)

Missouri Southern State University’s Choral/Orchestral Masterwork Series will feature Handel’s “Messiah” in a performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3, at Central Christian Center, 410 S. Virginia Avenue.

The performance will feature the Southern Symphonic Orchestra under the direction of Dr. David Sharlow, and the Southern Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Canes Nicolas.

Sharlow, who also serves as chair of Missouri Southern’s Music Department, said the performance of “Messiah” is in celebration of the choral group’s 10th anniversary.

 

“We performed it when we started the Southern Symphonic Chorus back in 2012,” he said. “We wanted to perform it again in celebration of our 10 years, and it’s a chance to feature the new instruments which were recently donated.”

A Klop continuo organ and a Herz double manual harpsichord were recently donated to the department by Jim Dawson, Gary Dawson and their family.

“(‘Messiah’) is a wonderful piece that features orchestra and choir,” Sharlow said. “It’s one that probably everyone is familiar with. Easter is coming up, and it tells the story of Christ straight from the Bible.”

Glenda Austin, a longtime music educator and composer, will serve as accompanist/harpsichordist. Peter Frost, organist and choir master at Grace Episcopal Church in Carthage, will be featured on organ.

The performers will be joined by the Joplin-Area Community Singers as well as four guest soloists.

Madison King (soprano) is an adjunct vocal instructor at MSSU. She was a member of the Tulsa Opera chorus from 2015-18 and has participated in summer programs by the Manhattan Summer Opera, Chicago Summer Opera and the Midwest Institute of Opera. A Carthage resident, she also teaches at a private voice studio.

Kristee Haney (alto) recently joined the roster of the Metropolitan Opera for two productions. She has toured with the New York City Opera and recently released her first solo album, “Echos.”

Brian Stranghoner (tenor) is in his second year as assistant professor of music education and voice at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., following a 30-year career teaching in Kansas public schools. He has maintained an active solo career in opera and oratorio, with performances at Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center and many others.

Dr. Robert McNichols Jr. (bass/baritone) serves as manager of education programs for Musical Theater Heritage in Kansas City, and previously taught as an associate professor at Harris-Stowe State University. He is a graduate of Lyric Opera of Kansas City’s apprentice program and is a versatile performer and soloist.

The program will include a 20-minute intermission. Admission is free and open to the public.