Amarillo Master Chorale to Present Handel’s Messiah April 12 

In celebration of their 45th anniversary, the Amarillo Master Chorale along with area vocalists and instrumentalists will stage G. F. Handel’s majestic "Messiah" at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. 

“Throughout its history, the Amarillo Master Chorale has been pursuing ‘harmony and beauty in voice’ while exploring the fascinating territory between arts-entertainment and spiritual formation,” said Dr. Nathaniel Fryml, AC’s director of Choral Activities and artistic director of the Master Chorale. “Handel’s complete 'Messiah' felt like a perfect fit for our anniversary season because it sits boldly in that indefinable space and provides such wonderful opportunities for community engagement and partnership.” 

The one-of-a-kind presentation includes, among other surprises, several newly conceived dance numbers provided by DOXA Dance Ministry, and involves vocalists from Amarillo College, WTAMU School of Music, and area churches to form a grand chorus in multiple parts. The 20-plus vocal solos will be performed by regional artists of varying age and background.

Fryml further explained how many people grew up hearing excerpts from the Nativity scene in Part 1 and the glorious Hallelujah Chorus from Part 2, but the narrative of "Messiah" actually goes much further.

“Some of Handel’s most impactful music is hiding in parts of the piece less often performed,” Fryml said. “This is high art music, to be sure – some of the greatest! The story is being communicated in English, which many in the Texas Panhandle would consider our ‘heart language’ and which helps us connect to the message more quickly. And though the agony of divine self-sacrifice is at the heart of 'Messiah,' the ultimate message is one of resurrection and eternal hope, which is why we are thrilled to be able to mount our performance so close to Easter.”

Tickets are still available, with all general seating priced at $30 (fees included). For more information, contact Fryml at njfryml@actx.edu.