As the holiday season approaches, Troy’s College of Fine Arts and Communication and choral program are dusting off the jingle bells in preparation for this year’s Sounds of the Season.
“I think it's just a wonderful way for our students to share their talents with the greater Troy community and help kickstart the holiday season,!” said Scott Sexton, assistant professor of music education and conductor for this year's Sounds of the Season. “Every Sounds of the Season I have been involved in has at least several moments of exquisitely beautiful music that can help us reflect on the holiday season, and I feel this year will be no different.”
Sounds of the Season is an annual performance that brings the holiday spirit to Troy a little early. This year’s show will be a performance of part one of composer George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” It will feature a 17-piece orchestra, over 80 choir members and four guest soloists.
“It includes biblical text that highlights the Christmas story,” Sexton said. “There are over 20 movements that will feature various parts of the story, filled with arias, recitatives, large choruses and movements featuring the orchestra.
“This work is often hailed as one of the most famous works from the Baroque music era.”
The entire show will last around one hour and includes many moving parts. As the performers rehearse, they express their excitement for the upcoming show.
“Singing any of the “Messiah” was something I never thought I would have the opportunity to do,” said Theo Hornsby, a senior music education major from Montgomery, Alabama. “The opportunity to sing with an orchestra and other professional musicians does not come around very often.”
The featured soloists who will join this year’s orchestra include Troy University’s own Dr. Sarah Wee and Dr. Kevin Gwinn, Dr. Alexis Davis-Hazell from the University of Alabama and Earl Hazell- Bass from the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Troy faculty in the John M. Long School of Music hope this year’s performance can provide a unique experience not only for the performers, but for those who come to watch.
“The beauty of music is to connect and bring people together,” said Dr. Hui-Ting Yang, director for the John M. Long School of Music. “We are excited to bring back this wonderful tradition and also excited to welcome back our choral alumni and community members who will sing with us on the stage.”
The show features music that may be easily recognizable for many students. It’s a unique performance that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to see.
“I would absolutely encourage any and everyone to come to Sounds of the Season and to bring a friend,” Hornsby said. “Getting to hear something like Handel’s “Messiah” live is really special.”
The show is set to take place Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Claudia Crosby Theater. It is free of charge and open to all students, faculty and the Troy community as a whole.
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