GCU resumes performances of Handel’s 'Messiah'

By ashlee larrison
GCU's performances of Handel's "Messiah" will feature the Canyon Symphony Orchestra, Canyon Choral Society and faculty soloists.

By Ashlee Larrison
GCU News Bureau

The return of in-person events marks the return of another beloved Grand Canyon University tradition: the College of Fine Arts and Production’s ninth annual winter performance of Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.”

After a hiatus in winter of 2020 because of the pandemic, Assistant Dean of Music Dr. Juan Hernandez said Handel's message is more relevant than ever.

“We live in a world that desperately needs hope,” Hernandez said. “The message of Handel’s oratorio ‘Messiah’ is timeless. It tells the story of the promised Messiah as recorded in the Bible. It is a message that is just as relevant today as it was in 1741 when Handel composed it, so much so that ‘Messiah’ is one of a handful of works that has been uninterruptedly performed since its premiere in Dublin on April 13, 1742.”

Admission is free for the three performances, which will feature the Canyon Symphony Orchestra, Canyon Choral Society and faculty soloists and will be in the intimate settings of local churches: 

  • Sing-along: 7 p.m. Friday, La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale
  • Performance: 2 p.m. Sunday, First United Methodist Church of Phoenix, 5510 N. Central Ave.
  • Performance: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley

Handel’s oratorio is structured into three parts and takes audiences on the journey of Christ’s birth, death and resurrection. It has become a composition commonly connected to the Christmas season.

“It is in the message of this promised Messiah, the Son of God who became man and dwelled amongst us, who lived a perfect life that was offered at the cross for the atonement of our sins providing eternal life as we are declared righteous with God that we find hope,” Hernandez said. “For no matter how bad things may be in our world today, we still find hope in the message of the Gospel.”

For more information, call the GCU Arena box office, 602-639-8979.

Contact Ashlee Larrison at (602) 639-8488 or [email protected].

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Related content:

GCU Today: Masterworks pays tribute to beloved faculty member

GCU Today: GCU goes big — Hallelujah! — for ‘Messiah’

GCU Today: Slideshow: GCU’s ‘Messiah’ presentation

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Bible Verse

"Consider carefully what you hear," Jesus continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you — and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." Mark 4:24-25



Jesus continued His message, saying, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24)

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