HU PRESENTS FREE HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE OF HANDEL'S "MESSIAH"

Hampton, VA - The Hampton University Department of Music, The University Chamber Orchestra and the Hampton University Choirs present the holiday performance of George F. Handel's "Messiah" on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. in HU's Robert C. Ogden Auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public. Donations to the Choir and Orchestra Scholarship campaigns will be accepted.

The concert will serve as the pre-celebration event to the Department of Music's 80th Anniversary Celebration beginning in January 2008.

This timeless musical holiday classic has become a traditional event in the Hampton Roads community. This year welcomes special guest performances by internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Kehembe V. Eichelberger, chair of Howard University's Department of Music; soprano Dr. Shelia J. Maye, chair of Hampton University's Department of Music; tenor Ronald Myers; and baritone Gregory Gardner, New York operatic artist.

Maestro Jerry A. Bracey, assistant professor of music and director of the HU Chamber Orchestra, will direct the HU Choirs and Chamber Orchestra.

This year, local community choristers are invited to join the Hampton Choirs in singing. Each participant should bring their own copy of the Schirmer edition of "Messiah," and are recommended to attend rehearsals. Rehearsals are on Nov. 19, Nov. 26 and Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in HU's Clarke Hall.

For additional information, please call the Music Department at (757) 727-6508. Questions can also be sent via email to jerry.bracey@hamptonu.edu or royzell.dillard@hamptonu.edu.