Axtell Oratorio Society Presents Messiah

A tradition since 1957, the Axtell Area Oratorio Society will present George Frideric Handel’s Messiah on April 17, 7:00 p.m. at the Kearney Evangelical Free Church.  
This is the 54th year the Axtell Oratorio Society has performed the Messiah, and it will once again be directed by J. Rodney Wendell, who has conducted the chorus and orchestra since 1953.  
The concert features a twenty piece chamber orchestra and a seventy member chorus.
A reception will follow the Sunday evening concert.
The Messiah is an English oratorio composed by George Frideric Handel and is one of the most popular works in western choral literature.  Messiah presents an interpretation of the Christian view of the Messiah, or “the anointed one” as Jesus the Christ.
It is divided into three parts, the libretto, which covers the prophecies concerning the Christ, the birth, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, and finally the End Times with the Christ’s final victory over death and sin.
Although the work was written for theatre and first performed during Lent, it has become common practice since Handel’s death to perform Messiah during Advent as well as Lent or at Easter.
Soloists will be Jana Holzmeier, Soprano; Senja Stephens, Mezzo-Soprano; Roger Benjamin, Tenor; Charles Smith, Bass.
Advance tickets are Adults, $8; K-12 $4.  Tickets will be available at the door for $10. Tickets can be purchased in Kearney at Solid Rock, Shopping Tripps, Ruter’s Hallmark; in Holdrege at My Fair Lady’s and in Minden at Joy’s Floral.
For more information call (308) 478-5427 or (308) 743-2292.