Kathy Janicek submitted this press release. Al Janicek took the practtice photos.
The Morrison Ecumenical Chorus will present the Lent and Easter portions of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah,” on Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023, at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church LC-MS, 601 N. Jackson Street in Morrison, IL. The concert, which is sponsored by the Morrison Ministers Council, begins at 7:00 p.m. A free-will offering will be received, to cover expenses. Any extra funds will go to the Ministers Council to help with their activities.
The chorus is under the direction of Kathy Janicek, Choir Director at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Morrison, and is accompanied by Christine Holmer of Clinton, IA.
There were 25 members at the practice on Sunday, March 19.
Soloists include Connie Swanson-DeSpain and Elizabeth Yaklich, sopranos; Sara Dunne, alto; Eric Phend and Luke Vander Bleek, tenors; Mark Kapusinski, bass; Ben Logan, trumpet.
Handel’s iconic oratorio was first performed in Morrison under the direction of Louise Mathew in 1956. Since then, it has been presented in even-numbered years as part of Morrison’s Easter traditions. This performance will be the first one since 2018, due to cancellations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Singers have been rehearsing since January 2023 and are excited to share their music with the community.