MSU Texas and First United Methodist choirs to perform Handel’s Messiah

The combined choirs of Midwestern State University and the First United Methodist Church will perform a special presentation of Handel’s Messiah at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the First United Methodist Church at 909 10th St. in Wichita Falls.

The production is under the direction of MSU Texas Assistant Professor of Music Thomas Wininger and includes the Midwestern Singers and the Oratorio Chorus from MSU Texas and from FUMC, the Chancel Choir with Music Director Kristen Gossett.

Wininger said that the FUMC had performed the classic chorus for 75 years straight, but it has not been performed for a few years, possibly due to Covid. “I’m excited to start a new chapter of the Messiah in Wichita Falls,” Wininger said. “This is a good community partnership featuring one of the most famous pieces of choir music ever written – the ‘Halleluiah Chorus.’” The combined choirs feature 70-75 voices.

A small professional chamber orchestra will accompany the chorus.

This is the fourth community partnership the MSU choirs have participated in this year. “Forming these community partnerships is something we want to continue,” Wininger said. “I’m proud of our choir program and we want to continue to find partnerships to showcase this program.”

At noon, Friday, Dec. 8, in Akin Auditorium, anyone can have the opportunity to participate in the Messiah. The choirs will perform the program, and anyone on campus or the community can join in song.

Contact the MSU Texas Department of Music at 940-397-4267 for more information.