Holiday celebration to conclude Fall Arts Celebration

Considered to be a musical fixture of the holiday season by audiences around the world, George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" is a time-honored classic that will conclude Fall Arts Celebration at Grand Valley.

Musical Tradition and Timeless Memories: Handel's "Messiah" will take place Monday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Fountain Street Church (24 Fountain St. SE) in Grand Rapids.

The voices of the Grand Valley State University Arts Chorale, along with the GVSU Symphony Orchestra, will perform "Messiah" during the holiday celebration.

First performed in 1742, the 'Messiah" quickly became a Yuletide event repeated in London and across the English-speaking world each year for more than 250 years.

"The qualities which have elevated 'Messiah' above those created by so many other composers are the richness and variety of the music, the insightful matching of word and sound and the consistently inspired evocations of such universal emotions as sorrow, serenity and joy," said Danny Phipps, Music and Dance Department chair.

The first part of "Messiah," which is centered on the prophecy and the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, will be performed along with other holiday favorites for orchestra, vocal solo and choir.

"From the majestic tenor narrative, 'Comfort ye,' to the reverential, smoothly flowing melodic lines of the 'Pifa,' and ending with the brilliance of the 'Hallelujah Chorus,' we invite the community to immerse themselves in Handel's timeless music all presented within the magnificent acoustic environment of Fountain Street Church," said Phipps.

All Fall Arts Celebration events are open to the public with free admission. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/fallarts, or call (616) 331-2185.