Symphony Performs Messiah Nov.  30 & Dec. 1 

SALISBURY, MD---The Salisbury Symphony Orchestra at Salisbury University will start the holiday season and its 2001-2002 concert series in joyous fashion November 30 and December 1 when it presents Handel’s “Messiah” in a special concert at Asbury United Methodist Church in Salisbury.  

The SSO, along with four guest soloists and a chorus of 35 voices from area church choirs, SU faculty and students, and the former Salisbury Choral Society, will perform selections from the Christmas portion of Handel’s masterpiece. Dr. Michael J. Weber, Salisbury University choral conductor, will be the guest conductor.  

Soloists will be Phyllis Oldham, soprano, Evelyn Cook, alto, Curtis White, tenor, and Fred Porter, bass. All four are not only fine local performers, but are alumni of Salisbury University.  

Dr. Thomas G. Elliot, music director and conductor of the SSO, will begin the evening’s performance with “Adagio for Strings” by American composer Samuel Barber.

“We wanted a signature event to kick off our 16th season,” said Elliot, “and we felt ‘Messiah’ would be an excellent way to capture people’s attention.”

SSO will present “Messiah” in Asbury Church because of its excellent acoustics and setting, and to add the grand sound of the organ, played by Taylor Harvey, to the mix.  

It is the first time in a decade that the SSO has turned its talents to a piece who’s most recognizable and glorious section is the “Hallelujah Chorus.”  

“`Messiah’ is not only a popular piece, it is very inspiring and uplifting. Especially with the mood of the country right now, I think it’s going to be very well attended,” Elliot said. “This is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season.”  

This special fund-raising “Messiah” concert launches the new season of the SSO.  

The SSO’s traditional Holiday Concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, at Holloway Hall, with a program geared to music lovers of all ages. Billed as the “Salisbury University President’s Family Holiday Concert,” the event will feature short orchestral pieces, familiar holiday tunes and the ever-popular sing-a-long holiday medley. The holiday concert is part of the SSO’s Gold Pass series for orchestra patrons.  

Tickets for the “Messiah” concerts, which take place at 8 p.m., are $15 for adults, and $10 for seniors 60 and above and children 18 and under. Tickets are available only at the Peninsula Bank branch on Civic Avenue in Salisbury, and at the door. For information, please call 410-548-5587.