Greenville Choral Union and Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah

Published: December 13, 2024

Author: Dave Bell photographer

The Greenville Choral Union and Orchestra presented its 96th performance of George Frederic Handel’s oratorio Messiah on Sunday, December 8, in Greenville University’s Whitlock Music Center.

The program was under the direction of Don Frazure, director of choral activities at Greenville University. Featured soloists were soprano Alexandra Billhartz, mezzo-soprano Grace Denton, bass Jacob Lassetter, and Frazure. They were accompanied by the orchestra and Rebecca Koebbe on the continuo and piano.

In addition to works from the Messiah, the program included “Gloria” from the Latin mass written by Randol Alan Bass and “A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas,” arranged by Craig Courtney.

This year’s program was dedicated to the late Dr. Ken Smith ’53 (September 23, 1932 – May 16, 2024), a GU alum and longtime supporter of the school’s music and choral programs, as well as the annual Messiah performances.

The accompanying photos were taken during this year’s performance.