GREENVILLE, S.C. (December 2, 2019) – Bob Jones University will present Handel’s Messiah, Dec. 12 – 13, at 7:30 p.m. in Rodeheaver Auditorium.
Under the direction of Dr. Warren Cook, the BJU Symphony Orchestra will accompany over 200 singers from four University choirs. Soloists include Laura Brundage, Division of Music faculty—soprano; Marianne Freeman, senior student—alto; Jason Rush, 2010 music graduate —tenor; and Dr. David Parker, Division of Music faculty—bass.
The two performances will be presented in honor of Dr. Dwight Gustafson, dean of BJU’s School of Fine Arts for over 40 years, and his wife, Gwen, former music faculty. The new Dwight and Gwen Gustafson Music Scholarship Endowment was established earlier this year to provide scholarships to students enrolled in the Division of Music.
“It is our hope that this performance will encourage others to join this effort to perpetuate the Gustafsons’ legacy of artistry in the service of God’s glory,” said Dr. Michael Moore, Division of Music chair.
The late Dr. Gustafson arranged the traditional cutting of Messiah, originally a two-and-a-half hour piece, that has been performed at BJU on a four-year rotation for over 20 years.
“The rehearsal process to bring this masterwork to life has been a rewarding experience for our community of musicians. Any time our students and faculty can collaborate in performance, there’s just so much to be gained,” said Moore.
Tickets can be purchased online at bju.edu/finearts or by calling the BJU Programs and Productions box office at (864) 770-1372 Monday through Friday, 12–5 p.m.