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Bluefield College’s Masterworks Chorale -- a large vocal ensemble comprised of voices from both the college and the community -- will present Handel’s “Messiah,” Tuesday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Chris Shoemaker

March 20, 2013

Open and free to the community, the spring concert will take place at First Christian Church on Bland Road in Bluefield, West Virginia. Donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the BC Department of Music.

Masterworks will present parts II and III of Handel’s “Messiah,” a musical reflection of Christ’s death, resurrection, and future return. Among the selections on the program are the familiar choruses, “Surely, He Hath Borne our Griefs,” “Hallelujah,” and “Worthy is the Lamb.” The program will also feature solos, “He Was Despised,” “The Trumpet Shall Sound,” and “I Know that my Redeemer Liveth,” provided by Melinda Blume, Tehillah Johnson, Elizabeth Decker, Josh King, DeMarco King, and Jonathan Penn -- all Bluefield College students.

“While part one of ‘Messiah’ follows the Christmas story, the second and third parts describe Christ’s sacrifice, resurrection, and victory,” said Dr. Benjamin Thorburn, assistant professor of music and director of BC’s Masterworks Chorale. “With this concert taking place a few weeks after Easter, it is my hope that this music will give us and our audience the opportunity to celebrate and reflect even more upon the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

The “Messiah” program will also feature lesser-known selections, like “He Trusted in God” and “Since by Man Came Death.” Dr. Thorburn will conduct the ensemble. Harold Brown, director of music ministry at First Christian Church, will accompany on organ.

Bluefield College’s Masterworks Chorale is comprised of BC students, faculty and staff, along with musical talents from the community. The group presents a minimum of two concerts per year, studying and performing a repertoire that includes major choral works, sacred and secular pieces, and special-themed concerts.

A reception, hosted by First Christian Church, will follow the concert. For more information, please contact Dr. Thorburn by phone at 276-326-4258 or by e-mail at .

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