By Gideon Burrows and Kris McBride
THATCHER — Eastern Arizona College invites community members and alumni throughout the Gila Valley and beyond to join rehearsals for the College’s 91st annual performance of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. Rehearsals begin Tuesday, Oct. 27, and anyone interested in participating is welcome.
For more than nine decades, EA students, alumni, and community members have joined voices to celebrate the holiday season through one of classical music’s most beloved masterpieces. This year’s performance will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, in the Eastern Arizona College Fine Arts Auditorium.
“I look forward to this time every year when we get to bring the community together and celebrate with this pivotal work,” said Dr. Gideon Burrows, EA Director of Fine Arts and conductor of this year’s performance. “I love that we get to share this performance. Each year, it means a little more to me because of the people who participate. Their joy is infectious and contributes to an exciting experience.”
This year’s performance will unite community members and alumni with students from EA’s A Cappella Choir, GilaSoul Singers, Resonus, and Symphony Orchestra.
The rehearsal schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday, Oct. 27: 7-8:30 p.m., EA Choir Room
- Tuesday, Nov. 3: 7-8:30 p.m., EA Choir Room
- Tuesday, Nov. 10: 7-8:30 p.m., EA Choir Room
- Tuesday, Nov. 17: 7-8:30 p.m., EA Choir Room
- Tuesday, Nov. 24: 7-8:30 p.m., EA Choir Room
- Thursday, Dec. 3: 7-8:30 p.m., EA Fine Arts Auditorium (rehearsal with orchestra)
- Saturday, Dec. 5: 1-4 p.m., EA Fine Arts Auditorium (full technical rehearsal)
- Sunday, Dec. 6: 6 p.m., final gathering before the 7 p.m. performance
Singers seeking additional rehearsal opportunities may also join the EA A Cappella Choir during regularly scheduled rehearsals at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays through November.
Participants who own a copy of the Messiah musical score are encouraged to bring it to rehearsals. Alumni living outside the Gila Valley who want to participate should contact Burrows for more information.
Soloist auditions scheduled for Nov. 10
Singers interested in featured solo roles are invited to audition after rehearsal on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Organizers hope to showcase as many talented soloists as possible, giving musicians more opportunities to contribute to this longstanding EA tradition.
For more information about rehearsals, soloist auditions, or participation in the 91st annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, contact Burrows at gideon.burrows@eac.edu.
About Eastern Arizona College Department of Music
Eastern Arizona College’s Department of Music has a long tradition of musical excellence, offering students opportunities to develop their talents through vocal and instrumental performance, music education, and ensemble participation. With a variety of choirs, bands, and other performing groups, the department provides valuable performance experience while enriching the cultural life of the Gila Valley. Concerts and productions throughout the year give students an opportunity to share their talents with the community.
About Eastern Arizona College
Founded in 1888, Eastern Arizona College is Arizona’s oldest community college. Located in Thatcher, EA offers affordable, high-quality education through university transfer programs, career and technical education, and bachelor’s degree opportunities. With a commitment to student success, academic excellence, and community engagement, EA has served generations of students throughout southeastern Arizona and beyond. For more information, visit www.eac.edu.
