Christmas and Reformation Anniversary to Serve as Choir Concert Inspiration

Choir members perform during the 2016 Christmas concert.

In celebration of the 500^th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, and for the Christmas holiday, the University of Findlay Concert-Chorale and University Singers will present a concert featuring selections by Bach and Handel.
The performance, which will be free and open to the public, is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. No tickets will be required. It will be conducted by SeaHwa Jung, assistant professor of music.
Musical selections will include Johann Sebastian Bach’s Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott and George Friderik Handel’s Messiah.
Bach’s piece, which translates to “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” is a choral cantata composed during the 1700s in honor of Reformation Day, which is traditionally celebrated on Oct. 31. It was first published in 1821, and is comprised of eight movements.
Handel’s Messiah is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741. Structurally resembling operatic form, this piece is not as dramatic. It was written for modest vocal and instrumental inclusion. Over the years, however, it has been adapted to accommodate larger choirs and soaring performances depicting Jesus’ life, the Passion and resurrection.