KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
You know it’s the Christmas season when you hear the strains of the Hallelujah Chorus. In fact, you may have met scores of people around town humming it lately, as they prepare for the Kodiak Arts Council production of Messiah this weekend at the Gerald C. Wilson Auditorium. Jenny Stevens is the conductor. She and Margaret Hall were on Talk of the rock this week with Jennifer Canfield.
Performances are Friday and Saturday night at 7 and at 3 on Sunday afternoon.
— (Messiah 1 31 sec "It’s scripture, telling of the … wonderful, sublime music.")
The performance this year is being dedicated to Margaret Hall, who has performed in Messiah for most of the past 77 years:
— (Messiah 2 38 sec "I was in high school and … it was pretty exciting.")
Hall says one of the pieces in Messiah holds a special meaning for her:
— (Messiah 3 29 sec "For some reason I can’t explain … just touches my soul.")
Stevens agreed:
— (Messiah 4 21 sec "Every time I’ve done it … get it out of singing.")
Stevens said that it’s easy to find people who want to sing in the chorus, and this year there are about 80 participants, plus over 20 in the orchestra:
— (Messiah 5 19 sec "We have people who have … proven right, every time.")
The production will also feature guest soloist Nancy Caudill, the Mezzo-Soprano with the Anchorage Opera.
On Sunday, Stevens, along with Constance Jensen, will give two talks exploring the background of Messiah and composer George Frideric Handel. One will be for youngster to enrich their Messiah experience, and another for adults.
