As the Parker County Community Choir began the last "Hallelujah" chorus of G.F. Handel's "Messiah," the approximately 300 people, who had gathered to hear the performance Monday night in the Weatherford College Alkek Fine Arts Center, rose to their feet, honoring the 267-year-old tradition of standing during the final refrain.
The 45-member Parker County Community Choir, accompanied by string musicians and a pianist, and conducted by Rob Laney, presented selections from Handel's "Messiah" for more than 300 attendees Nov. 30 at the Weatherford College Alkek Fine Arts Center.
The annual choral program of selections from Handel's most beloved work is, for many, the starting point of the holiday season. "It was an awesome production," said Nadeen Murphree, a Weatherford resident who has attended every performance. "The soloists could be with any opera, and the instrumentalists were perfect. Thanks to all involved for offering such a wonderful way to put us in the true Christmas Spirit. It was the best ever!" The 45-member choir, selected by audition earlier in the year and conducted by WC music director, Rob Laney, was accompanied by pianist David Dubiel and string musicians Swang Lin; Amy Faires; Jennifer Sweetman and Debbie Brooks. Soloists were Rick Rainey; Nate Early; Genie Carron; Elizabeth Drewes; Judith Dowd, Kylie Wrinkle and Rae Wooten. Other choir members were Paul Adkisson; Kathryn Alcorn; Julie Baker; Al Benyon; Kate Blair; Katelyn Boone; Brittany Clemons; Michelle Craft; Allen Dean; Philip Dowd; Susanna Dowd; Kelly Gibbs; Juliana Griggs; Wes Hammond; Allison Hurd; Clarke Hurd; Melody Hurd; Patrick Hurd; Rachel Hurd; Wesley Hurd; Amanda Johnson; Brittany Koenig; Todd Limbocker; Cheryl Livengood; Stephen Medellin; Aaron Meeks; Lindy Meeks; Stewart Merrell; Jeremy Moen; Ashley Nelson; Angie Robb; Evone Scott; Taylor Stiles; Mark Stockton; Matt Turner; Kalyn Walker; Dale Williams and Lee Williams.
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