Messiah 2024 - CDA Music Conservatory

Messiah 2024 - CDA Music Conservatory
Type of post: Region news item
Sub-type: No sub-type
Posted By: Iain Fisher
Status: Current
Date Posted: Fri, Oct 18 2024

Third Annual Handel’s Messiah
Two Showings

Saturday, November 23 at 7 pm
Sunday, November 24 at 2 pm (Sing-Along Option)

Schuler Performing Arts Center, North Idaho College Campus

Orchestra and chorus conducted by Kent Kimball, Artistic Director of the Music Conservatory of CdA

Featuring soloists Chloe Sundet (Soprano), Ann Benson (Alto), Scott Miller (Tenor) and Steve Mortier (Bass)

The Music Conservatory of CdA is a community partner of Chorale Coeur d'Alene, and several Chorale members will be performing in the chorus on stage for this oratorio. Join us for a Hallelujah!

Official conservatory press release is below (and attached):

Due to popular demand, this year, the Music Conservatory will hold two performances of its most popular concert of the year Handel’s Messiah at the Schuler Performing Arts Center on the NIC campus on the weekend before the Thanksgiving holiday. The evening concert performance will be on Saturday, November 23 at 7:00 pm and the afternoon concert performance with an optional sing-along will be on Sunday, November 24 at 3:00 pm. Conducted by Kent Kimball, Artistic Director of the Music Conservatory, the program features soloists Chloe Sundet (soprano), Ann Benson (alto), Scott Miller (tenor) and Steve Mortier (bass). “What makes this Handel masterpiece so adored by all?”, you might ask. Kent Kimball says, "Don't take my word for it. Handel was revered by the best of them. After hearing Messiah, Haydn wept and said ‘This man is the master of us all.’ Mozart said ‘If I could be born any other composer, I'd choose Handel.’ And Beethoven said ‘Handel is the greatest composer that ever lived. I would uncover my head and kneel at his grave.’ Come listen to the greatest story ever told, gift-wrapped in some of the most masterful music ever written." As described by the Music Conservatory’s Executive Director Cynthia Newkirk, “This program, more than most holiday performances, brings people together in a very special and unique way, raises the significance of music in our lives and offers the opportunity to celebrate a timeless tradition that can be enjoyed by generations of families and friends who seek deeper meaning in their faith and shared experience.” Tickets are priced as follows: Orchestra $30, Lower Balcony $25 and Upper Balcony $20, and are on sale now at the Music Conservatory’s website (see below).

In advance of the concert dates, and as an opportunity to learn more about the program, the Music Conservatory will be hosting two free one-hour lectures presented by Kent Kimball entitled “G.F. Händel: The Man, His Music, and Messiah” at its location at 627 N. Government Way. These informative sessions are funded in part by the Idaho Humanities Council and are designed to give historic and musical context for a greater appreciation of this classic oratorio. There will be several music excerpts played during the talk and a Q & A session afterwards. Light refreshments will be served. The Lunch & Learn program will be held from 12:00 - 1:00 pm on Friday, October 25 and the same presentation will be repeated on Thursday, November 14. These lectures are free. Space is limited, so seats should be reserved via email to registrar@cdaconservatory.org indicating the referred date of attendance.

About Music Conservatory of Coeur d’Alene
The Music Conservatory of Coeur d’Alene is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to musical excellence through accessible instruction, collaborative partnerships and performance. It offers private lessons and group classes on a wide variety of instruments, voice and choir, beginning with early childhood development, through beginning levels of instruction on most all instruments and progressing to more advanced instruction in music theory, composition, conducting and ensemble performance. Its faculty are professional musicians that mentor students through the progressive stages of their musical education journey providing instruction, guidance, feedback and encouragement. In addition, its Music Therapy team extends its reach to provide music education and experience for physical and mental health. As part of the “Conservatory” experience, its students perform at recitals for their families and friends to gain confidence in front of a live audience. The Music Conservatory’s faculty, students and its Youth Choir perform at concerts and community events throughout the year.