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The Olivet Nazarene University School of Music in coordination with the ONU Alumni Association will present its 88th performance of Handel’s Messiah in an expansive reunion concert, featuring a 250+ voice alumni and student mass choir, augmented University Orchestra, and professional alumni soloists. Dr. Neal Woodruff will conduct.
The annual event will take place earlier this year, allowing alumni vocalists and instrumentalists to participate. Tickets are required, and available at Olivet.edu/events.
Presented Saturday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the 3000-seat Hawkins Centennial Chapel on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University, Messiah will be a key feature of the 2024 Homecoming celebration. Free parking is available.
This year’s performance will include a sing-along Hallelujah Chorus, inviting the entire audience, vocalists and musicians to join together as one grand, 3000+ voice choir, singing one of history’s finest choruses of jubilation and praise (Sheet music will be provided for all!)
Featured soloists include Metropolitan Opera and ONU alumnus bass-baritone Bradley Garvin, as well as Jenna Fawcett, Reuben Lillie, Ashlie McIntire and Cassandra Petrie. Select alumni instrumentalists have also been asked to join the University Orchestra for this special event.
The Messiah Reunion will be filmed for streamed online broadcast before the holidays, as well as for University Archives.
For group sales, or more information about Handel’s Messiah Reunion, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 815-939-5258.
Alumni of ONU choirs are still welcome to join the choir! More information may be found at Olivet.edu, or by calling the Office of Alumni Relations at 815-939-5258.
ABOUT HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Handel’s oratorio, Messiah, first performed in 1742, holds significant historical importance. Originally intended as an Easter celebration, it has become a staple of early Christmas celebrations. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful music and profound message, setting holy scripture to music and verse. The oratorio’s ability to bring communities together in a shared cultural and spiritual experience underscores its lasting impact. Today, Messiah continues to inspire and awe audiences worldwide, maintaining its place as a cornerstone of classical music.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Neal Woodruff, Conductor, Associate Dean Olivet Nazarene University School of Music, joined the faculty in 2000. Dr. Woodruff currently conducts the University Orchestra and Concert Singers, and teaches applied voice/pedagogy, opera/music theatre, conducting, and church music. While serving his alma mater, his students have performed with prestigious opera companies and theatres. Dr. Woodruff studied under notable instructors and is a certified Somatic Voicework™ instructor. He serves on the Central Region Board of Directors for the National Association of Teachers of Singing and is the chorus master for Sugar Creek Opera.
Joshua Ring, Organist, a professor at Olivet Nazarene University since 2019, and proud alum, teaches music theory, aural skills, organ, composition, and piano. He has performed internationally, including at Cologne Cathedral and on the radio program Pipedreams. Dr. Ring recorded the album “Fanfare for a New Century” and has won several prestigious awards, such as the 2019 Organ Scholar Competition and the 2018 Young Organists Scholarship Competition. He holds a DMA in Organ Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa and has collaborated with composer Joshua Malavé.
Jeff Bell, (Director, Orpheus Choir) has been professor of music at Olivet Nazarene University since 1997, where he conducts the Orpheus Choir, teaches various music courses, and has produced three sacred music albums. Dr. Bell is a 1981 ONU alum, an organist and a published composer.
Marvin Jones (Director, Proclamation Orpheus Choir) A full-time faculty member since 2017, Dr. Jones teaches church music, worship, and worship leadership. He also leads the Proclamation Gospel Choir and tours with the choir each year. Marvin also serves on the Worship staff at College Church of the Nazarene.