IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 18, 2008
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Vocal performance majors star in televised Handel’s Messiah

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. –Two Slippery Rock University vocal performance majors were featured soloists in a televised performance of Handel’s Messiah presented over the holidays by the Blazing Star Choral Society in Succop Theater, Butler.

             Christiana Howell, a senior from Erie, sang the well-loved recitatives and arias “Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion” and “Come Unto Him.” Michael Desnoyers, a December graduate from Allegany, N.Y., sang the famous tenor recitative “Comfort Ye” and aria “Every Valley.” The production aired on local cable.

              “It was a professional contract. The other soloists that were hired were well-known established, professional singers in Pittsburgh,” said Colleen Gray Neubert, SRU associate professor of music and coordinator of vocal studies. "This is the first of many times that they will perform these solos professionally. Mr. Desnoyers was hired to perform this recitative and aria three times that weekend.”

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.