U. CHOIR TO PRESENT EASTER SELECTIONS

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- A performance of Easter selections from Handel's Messiah will be presented March 24 at Academic Auditorium.

The Choral Union, University Choir and University Orchestra will present the program, which begins at 3 p.m. and is free to the public.

The program at Southeast will last about an hour.

"We have selected pieces to follow a logical story for Easter," said Dr. John Egbert, choir director. He said the program includes pieces from the Messiah, which outline the crucifixion, descension, resurrection and ascension of Christ.

Handel's Messiah is perhaps the longest running musical work of all time, Egbert said. It has been performed year after year for more than two centuries. Messiah was written in 1741.

Egbert said, "It's remarkable, universal appeal extends to both ends of the spectrum of music consumers."

Egbert said Handel's oratorios are not regarded as church music. "They are intended for the concert hall, and are much closer to the theater than to the church service," he said.

The orchestra is directed by Dr. Gary Miller and the University Choir and Choral Union are directed by Egbert. Soloists for the performance are sopranos Karen Finn, Celeste Powell, and Jean Ann Burke; altos Tamara Brannon and Heather Bollinger; and basses Craig Hogan and Keith Allen.

The Choral Union is open to all community and church choir singers, in addition to university students, faculty and staff. Rehearsals are held Tuesdays from 7-8:40 p.m.