HU Presents Free Holiday Performance of Handel's "Messiah"

Hampton, VA -The Hampton University Department of Music, The Musical Arts Society, The University Chamber Orchestra and the Hampton University Choirs present the holiday performance of George F. Handel’s “Messiah” on Sunday, Dec. 7 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.

To commemorate the conclusion of the Department of Music’s 80th anniversary, various alumni will return as concert soloists and choir members this year. Special guests soloists include soprano Alfrelynn Roberts ’93, mezzo-soprano Lydia Toliver ’85, tenor Jason Dungee ‘03 and bass Frank Mitchell ’86.

Roberts has appeared with the Kalamazoo Symphony and has performed roles for the Grand Rapids, Detroit and Chicago Operas. Toliver is well-known throughout Hampton Roads’ musical community and is currently the director of choral activities at Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, Va.Dungee, director of choral activities at Woodside High School in Newport News, Va., has appeared as a soloist with the Virginia Symphony, the New York Philharmonic and the Westminster Community Orchestra. Lastly, Mitchell has performed with the Philadelphia Symphony and the Birmingham Symphony.

This timeless musical holiday classic has become a traditional event in the Hampton Roads community. Maestro Royzell L. Dillard, assistant professor of music, will direct the HU Choirs while Jerry Bracey, assistant professor of music, will direct the HU Orchestra.

Also 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 Dec. 1-6 at 6 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.

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