Choral Union Presents "Messiah"

WAUKESHA, Wis. - March 1, 2016 - PRLog -- Waukesha – “Messiah,” George Frederic Handel’s best-known choral work that remains a favorite more than 270 years after it was first composed, will be performed by Waukesha Choral Union (WCU) at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3 at Carroll University’s Shattuck Music Center 218 N. East Ave.

    The free performance is made possible by the generosity of Fred and JoAnn Portz, longtime supporters of Waukesha Choral Union.

Community Singers Invited to Perform

    Community singers are invited to join WCU in this performance. Rehearsals will be held March 5, 22, 29^th and April 2^. For more information, visit www.choralunion.org.

About Messiah

    As in past years, Waukesha Choral Union is happy to introduce special solo performances by accomplished area vocalists who will join the 40-member troupe and our community singers. Soloists include Shallece Peters-Stewart, soprano; Jillian Hansen Bruss, mezzo-soprano; Alex Gmeinder, tenor, and Thomas J. Weis, lyric bass.

    Handel wrote Messiah as an English version oratorio with scriptural text from the “King James Bible” and from the version of the “Psalms” included with the “Book of Common Prayer.” It was composed for modest vocal and instrumental forces with optional settings for many of the individual numbers. Years after Handel’s death, the work was adapted for performances on a much larger scale by full orchestras and choirs. It remains one of the best known and frequently performed choral works in Western music.

Rich History of Choral Music

   This year, WCU is featuring “How Can I Keep From Singing,” a celebration of the passion of singing. WCU has been musically active in the community for over 60 years. Originally a combination of Carroll College students and community singers, it took its present form as an auditioned choir in 1978. Waukesha Choral Union derives its strength and quality from its members’ passion for singing and is always seeking new voices. Auditions are held by appointment. Recent collaborative partners include the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra, Bel Canto Chorus, Milwaukee Choristers, Carroll University Choirs, and the choirs of Waukesha South High School, Muskego High School, and Hartford Union High School. For more information, visit www.choralunion.org.