Symphony, choruses to perform ‘Messiah’
San Juan Symphony will usher in the holiday season with selections from Handel’s “Messiah” at concerts this weekend in Farmington and Durango.
Concerts will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Henderson Hall at San Juan College in Farmington and at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.
The program will include some of “Messiah’s” best-loved arias and choruses and will feature the Durango Choral Society and Vicus Voices, as well as vocal soloists soprano Gemma Kavanagh and mezzo Laura Thoreson.
“Messiah” has perhaps the widest popular appeal in the entire choral repertoire. The first performance of “Messiah” was in 1742 in Dublin. Some of the oratorio’s numbers, particularly the famed Hallelujah chorus, have become virtual clichés, instantly recognizable when they are heard in movies or commercials.
The popularity and familiarity of “Messiah” sometimes stand in the way of the appreciation of this masterwork. The message runs deeper than the hallelujahs that resound at the close of Part II: More than perhaps any other work, “Messiah” represents a sermon in music, incorporating the entire religious creed of its librettist, Charles Jennens, and its composer, George Frederick Handel.
For Farmington concert tickets, call (505) 566-3430.
For Durango concert tickets, call 247-7657, purchase online at www.durangoconcerts.com or visit the ticket office in the Durango Welcome Center at Eighth Street and Main Avenue.
For more information, call 382-9753 or visit www.sanjuansymphony.org.
Painted Turtle Studio to close for winter
The Painted Turtle Studio in Mancos will close its doors Saturday and “hibernate” until the spring.
Director Sarah Allen will spend the winter in Mexico, where she looks forward to soaking up inspiration from the Mexican culture, as well as enjoying some rest and rejuvenation. Art instructor Jaime Becktel will continue to teach after-school art programs in Mancos in the new year at a location to be determined.
A closing Hibernation Party will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday. (Refreshments will be provided, and feel free to bring a potluck item.) The studio is in the Mancos Community Art Center at 121 W. Grand Ave.
For more information, call 533-7136 or visit www.paintedturtlestudio.org.
Follies auditions coming in December
The 2014 Snowdown Safari So Good! Snowdown Follies will hold auditions for the cast and chorus line in December.
Cast auditions will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at The Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave. If you aren’t at auditions you cannot be in the show.
Chorus line auditions will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Bella Dance Studio, 2416 Main Ave.
For more information about Snowdown Follies Chorus Line auditions, contact Dani at 259-4944.
For complete Snowdown Follies information, visit www.snowdownfollies.org.
Holiday art market to open today
Durango Arts Center will host the Winter Solstice Artisans’ Market through Dec. 24. The market offers fine arts and craft gift items from more than 60 regional and local artists, including ceramics, jewelry, metal, textiles, glass, wood, notecards, ornaments, calendars, photography, painting and drawing.
An opening exhibit reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today in the Barbara Conrad Gallery.
In conjunction with this year’s Winter Solstice Artisans’ Market is the second annual 2nd Avenue Winter Solstice Festival from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21 on East Second Avenue between Seventh and Ninth streets. The event will feature bonfires, cider, hot chocolate, treats and more. Father Christmas even might stop by with his reindeer to provide cheer and lend an ear.
For more information, visit www.DurangoArts.org or call 259-2606.
Herald Staff
