HILLSBORO, Kan. – The Tabor College Oratorio Chorus and Community Orchestra once again join forces to perform George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec., 4 at the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church.
This marks the 20th year of the performance for Bradley Vogel, director of choral activities at Tabor.
The event brings together current students, alumni and friends of Tabor Arts to kick off the Christmas season. The addition of nearly 50 alumni voices brings the chorus number to almost 100.
“One of the special things about our annual performance is the collaboration with the community and alumni,” Vogel said. “It is something both our students and alumni look forward to each year.”
As an added feature for Vogel’s 20th year, solo roles will feature alumni who sang the roles while students under his leadership. Featured alumni soloists include David Vogel of Hillsboro, Kan., Justin Moore of Topeka, Kan., Emily Olson of Hillsboro, Kan., Lisa Loewen Kroeker of Henderson, Neb., Aaron Stepanek of Wichita, Kan., and Darren Enns of Hesston, Kan.
Tabor music department faculty performing solos include David Martens, Jen Stephenson and Holly Swartzendruber.
Vogel noted that the collaboration from the community extends to the instrumental contributions for the concert.
“Our connection with fantastic musicians from the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Friends Community Orchestra, and Newton Mid-Kansas Orchestra add another layer to the performance,” Vogel said. “Most of the group has played for Tabor for several years and because of these strong relationships the ensemble comes together seamlessly.”
“Messiah” was first performed in 1742 in Ireland as a benefit for local charities. The story follows of the prophecy and life of Jesus Christ. Handel composed the entire work in only 24 days.
“Our concert serves as the beginning of the Christmas season for many,” Vogel said. “We are honored to provide this performance as a symbolic start to the holidays for Hillsboro and the Tabor community.”