Yavapai College Unites Five Choirs for a Magnificent Holiday Performance of Handel’s Messiah

Photo: Singers and orchestra for Handel’s Messiah

The glorious sounds of Handel’s Messiah will fill the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center this holiday season as the Yavapai College Choral Union presents two performances of the beloved masterwork on Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6, at 3 p.m.

In a special celebration of Yavapai College’s longstanding choral tradition, all five Yavapai College choirs will come together for this production, accompanied by an orchestra of professional musicians and four featured vocal soloists. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Carter, Yavapai College’s Director of Choral Activities, the performances promise an inspiring afternoon of extraordinary music, beauty, and hope.

The Yavapai College Choral Union brings together the Master Chorale, Community Chorale, Cantabile, Vox Profunda, and Vox Angelica. This collaborative production offers singers from across the College’s choral program the opportunity to rehearse and perform one of the greatest works in the classical repertoire together.

“Handel’s Messiah holds a cherished place in the choral repertoire, and for generations, performances at Christmas have brought communities together through its message of hope and extraordinary music,” said Dr. Michael Carter. “Bringing all five Yavapai College choirs together to perform this masterpiece gives our singers the opportunity to take part in that enduring tradition and share it with our community.”

First performed in 1742, George Frideric Handel’s Messiah has inspired audiences for nearly three centuries. From the triumphant brilliance of the iconic “Hallelujah” chorus to its deeply moving passages of reflection, this timeless work continues to resonate with listeners through its powerful music and enduring message.

Joining the combined choirs are four featured soloists: soprano Emily Spencer, Yavapai College adjunct choral faculty member; alto Danielle Corella, Yavapai College adjunct voice faculty member; tenor Michael Seare, a professional vocalist from Michigan; and bass Will Vallandigham, Yavapai College adjunct voice faculty member.

Yavapai College has a rich tradition of presenting Messiah, bringing generations of singers and community members together through this extraordinary work. The College plans to continue presenting the production every four years, providing each generation of Yavapai College singers with the opportunity to participate in this meaningful musical tradition.

Audiences attending either performance are also invited to a complimentary pre-concert lecture by Dr. Carter at 2:40 p.m., offering insights into Handel’s masterpiece before the music begins.

Whether experiencing Messiah for the first time or returning to a cherished holiday tradition, audiences are invited to celebrate the season with this magnificent collaboration of voices and orchestra.

Tickets for Messiah start at $34 and Youth tickets are just $11. The Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center is located on the Yavapai College Prescott Campus, 1100 E. Sheldon Street, Prescott. For reservations or more information, call the Ticket Office at (928) 776-2000, visit us online at www.ycpac.com, or stop by during regular hours (Tuesday & Wednesday: 9 am-6 pm; Thursday & Friday: 9 am-4 pm).

Tickets for all performances at the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center are available exclusively through the JLLPAC Box Office or at www.ycpac.com. Patrons are encouraged to purchase only through these official channels to avoid third-party resellers and potential ticket scams.

About the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center

The Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center, located on the Yavapai College Prescott Campus, presents a diverse lineup of performances including concerts, theatre, dance, comedy, and family entertainment. The PAC also hosts student productions and community events, serving as a cultural hub for Prescott and the surrounding region.

_____

Tickets are available exclusively through the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center Box Office or online at www.ycpac.com.

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu