THATCHER, Ariz.—The Department of Music at Eastern Arizona College is pleased to announce its preparations for this year’s production of Handel’s Messiah. All interested individuals are invited to join the mass choir. The 89th performance of this annual winter tradition will take place Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium.
“I look forward to this time every year when we get to bring to the community together and celebrate through performance,” said Gideon Burrows, EAC director of choral music and conductor for the performance. “This work means a little more to me each year because of the people who share their joy every season. Even with the compressed scheduling, I think this will be one of the best years yet.”
Choir rehearsals are open to anyone who wishes to join. They will begin at the end of this month and continue each week until the performance as indicated by the schedule below:
Tuesday, October 29, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the EAC Choir Room
Tuesday, November 5, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the EAC Choir Room
Tuesday, November 12, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the EAC Choir Room
Tuesday, November 19, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the EAC Choir Room
Tuesday, November 26, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the EAC Choir Room
Thursday, December 5, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium (rehearsal with orchestra)
Saturday, December 7, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium (full technical rehearsal)
Sunday, December 8, at 6:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. performance)
Some singers may find it easier and are welcome to rehearse with the EAC A Cappella Choir during their normal rehearsals Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon through November.
The performance will combine the community and alumni with students from the A Cappella Choir, Resonus, and the Symphony Orchestra. Singers who have their own Messiah score should please bring it to rehearsals. Alumni who do not reside in the Gila Valley but who would like to participate in this performance are invited to contact Gideon Burrows for details (email below).
Auditions for solo roles will occur following the rehearsal on Tuesday, November 12. The program would like to showcase as many interested soloists as possible for this event. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Burrows by email at gideon.burrows@eac.edu.
