By Erin Robertson

The Walton Arts Center and the University of Arkansas Music Department featured a seasonal performance of Handel’s Messiah December 5 and 6.

The University Symphony Orchestra and Schola Cantorum joined forces with the Master Chorale under the instruction of conductor Todd Prickett, interim director of choral activities at the University of Arkansas. Guest artists Amy Prickett, Debra Scroggins, Joel Burcham and David Dillard sang intermittently with the chorus, adding a more intimate sound to the performance.

The orchestra opened the evening with a haunting overture that gradually developed into a lively movement. Burcham sang a deep tenor recitative, “Comfort Ye, My People,” to begin part one of the performance. Each guest artist showcased their talents through this section, with Prickett’s high soprano notes soaring high into the rafters and Dillard’s deep bass notes reverberating in the depths of the heart.

Strings and horns combined as the symphony added a lofty air to the depth of voices. A rich, full sound filled the concert hall as voices both young and old joined together to sing praises to the Messiah.

Part two, the final segment of the performance, ended with a choral rendition of “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain…Amen.”

Although the show lasted close to three hours and the ticket prices were slightly steep compared to most University productions – $18 for WAC visitors and $10 for students – the crowd thoroughly enjoyed the performance.