‘Messiah’ performance this Sunday

Submitted information

Just a reminder that George Frederic Handel’s much beloved oratorio, Messiah, will be performed this Sunday at First United Methodist for the entire community to enjoy. The performance begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public with a free-will offering.  A grant from The Van Wert County Foundation has once again made this possible.

Paul Hoverman, coordinator of performing arts for the Foundation and Senior Choir director at First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, will conduct a 60-member volunteer chorus, along with professional soloists and an 18-piece chamber orchestra. Gloria Wendel and Annette Hoverman will accompany on organ and harpsichord.

Soloists are soprano Kirsten Osbun Manley from Ohio Northern University, mezzo-soprano Tina Bunce from Bowling Green, tenors Richard and Shawn Mathey, also from Bowling Green, and bass Sean Cooper from Bowling Green State University.

The selections from Messiah will include Part I, plus “The Trumpet Shall Sound” aria and “The Great Amen” and “Hallelujah” choruses.

The tradition of a Messiah performance in Van Wert goes back to the pre-World War II years. The Van Wert County Foundation and First United Methodist Church of Van Wert have long been associated with this tradition, while monies from The Van Wert County Foundation that support this community event come from the Saltzgaber Music Fund.

Mrs. Saltzgaber was a longtime musician at First United Methodist Church, while the Saltzgaber Music Fund was established in Gaylord Saltzgaber’s last will and testament dated July 17, 1929.