Furman Symphony Orchestra and Oratorio Chorus perform “Messiah”

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The Furman Symphony Orchestra and Oratorio Chorus will present Handel’s “Messiah” Friday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. in McAlister Auditorium on the Furman University campus.

The concert is part of the Sound Quality Series and is open to the public. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for students/youth. The event is part of Furman’s Cultural Life Program.

Conducted by Furman music Professor Hugh Ferguson Floyd, Handel’s “Messiah” holds a unique position as a monument of Western civilization. “Messiah” debuted in 1742 as a fundraiser for orphans. The oratorio later gained in popularity particularly in England and America, eventually becoming one of the best known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.

The Furman Symphony Orchestra, prepared by Thomas Joiner, and the Oratorio Chorus featuring outstanding student soloists will present highlights of the work including the famous “Hallelujah” chorus.

Dr. Floyd is professor of music at Furman, coordinator of choral ensembles and director of the Furman Singers. He is the first recipient of the Bingham L. Vick, Jr. and Judith S. Vick Professorship of Music, established by the Furman Singers Alumni Association. Prior to his appointment at Furman, Floyd served as the director of choral studies at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College. He also served as director of choral activities and voice instructor at the famed Interlochen Center for the Arts, and a guest lecturer at the Eastman School of Music, and Yale University. Floyd is a graduate of Furman University, the Eastman School of Music, and the University of Michigan.

For more information or advance ticket sales call the Furman Music Office at 864-294-2086.