Limestone chorus to present Handel's "Messiah"

Limestone College chorus members rehearse for Sunday's concert performance of Handel's Messiah at First Baptist Church in Gaffney. County residents won't have to wait for the Christmas season to hear a performance of Handel's "Messiah."

Accompanied by a chamber orchestra, the Limestone College chorus will perform "Messiah" Sunday, Nov. 23, at a 3 p.m. concert at First Baptist Church.

The chorus is conducted by Dr. Gena Poovey, Professor of Choral/Vocal Music Education and Director of Choral Activities.

"We typically do Handel's Messiah once every four years so all students get a chance to perform it during college," Poovey said. "The performance of Messiah in its entirety would take over three hours. Consequently, Part I or Parts II and III are often presented independently."

The 30-member college choir will be joined by community members to present the Christmas portion and the well-known "Hallejujah" chorus. Soloists will include students Sara Ferguson, Savannah Roberts, Holly Weiss, James Gray, Nicholas Shumate, William (Buck) Scoggins and Chadwick Redden, and community members Jim Hawkins and Monica Weaver Martin.

"This is the one of the strongest choirs I have ever had," Poovey said.

"There are a lot of really strong voices and a good understanding of music that allows them to reach a new depth with their performance."

This weekend's "Messiah" concert is the first of three major events that will be done by the college's music department.

The Limestone Wind Ensemble will perform a concert Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in Fullerton Auditorium.

The college will hold a "Sounds of the Season" concert Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in Fullerton as part of its Christmas on Campus activities.

These include the college's luminaries lighting and the lighting of the Christmas tree on the front campus.