Owensboro Choral Society excited to perform Messiah this Sunday after 2-year hiatus

December 1, 2022 | 12:07 am

Updated December 1, 2022 | 12:23 am

Connie Ford

The past two Christmas seasons have not included the Owensboro Choral Society’s annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. Director Connie Ford said that it is “wonderful” to bring back the tradition for the 2022 season.

The performance is Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m. at Third Baptist Church.

This year also marks the 80th performance of Messiah in Owensboro, which began in 1941 when Pearl Harbor was bombed, coinciding with the 200-year-old oratorio. Ford has been directing since 2011.

The two-year hiatus has sparked joy in the soloists and Ford, who wants the performance to come alive and speak to the audience.

“We want to make it as joyful and as great as it is – the community needs it,” Ford said.

The free concert has been tied with Goodfellows Club since the first concert, and that is also part of its rich history.

“It’s a gift to help Goodfellows,” Ford said. “An offering happens during the pastoral symphony and all proceeds go to Goodfellows, the nonprofit whose mission is ‘No child should be forgotten.'”

Soloists for the 2022 performance are soprano Leslie Ferguson, alto Emily Malone, tenor Dakota DeGraw, and bass Tevin Vincent. James Wells is the featured organist and Sharon Hudson is the featured harpsichordist. 

Ford anticipates more attendees this year because people are excited to get back to holiday traditions, and for many this performance is part of their Christmas, both the singers and the community.

For information on joining the chorus, contact Connie Ford at 270-929-1847 or [email protected]

December 1, 2022 | 12:07 am

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