On the first of December, we enjoyed a lovely evening in Granville, Ohio at The Denison University’s Swasey Chapel, as we attended their Department of Music’s presentation of Messiah: An oratorio by George Frideric Handel. The beautiful live free music experience featured the Denison Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir, and Chamber Singers
Harris Ipock as conductor, and Philip Rudd as orchestra director.

This performance of Messiah included the entirety of Part 1 as well as the passion sequence from Part 2, concluding with the aria “I know that my redeemer liveth” and the famous “Hallelujah” chorus. It was noted in the program that this was the first performance of Messiah at Denison in which students (not professional guest artists) performed the solo arias and accompanied recitatives. We were so glad to have learned about this in time to attend, as the Messiah will not be performed at DU again for another four years!

My most favorite moments in the performance that gave me chills:

Chorus
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
–Isaiah 9:6

Final Chorus
Hallelujah: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
–Revelation 19:6, 11:15 and 19:16