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80th anniversary performance of Handel’s “Messiah” continues as one of Lawton’s most enduring holiday traditions




One of the oldest holiday traditions in southwest Oklahoma returns to the stage as the Cameron University/Lawton Civic Chorus joins the Lawton Schubert Music Club and Fort Sill's New Post Chapel to present Handel’s “Messiah” on Saturday, December 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the McMahon Auditorium. Admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to wear facial coverings and to be aware of social distancing.

The one-hour performance will feature selections from each of the three portions of the Biblical text lyricized by Charles Jennings, representing the prophecy, the life, death, resurrection, and promised return of Jesus Christ. “Messiah,” composed by George F. Handel for chorus, soloists and orchestra, is conducted by Doris Lambert, adjunct instructor at Cameron University and Director of Choral Music at the New Post Chapel.

Featured soloists this year will include Cameron faculty members Dr. Shaun Calix and Dr. Christian Morren; CU music students Destiny Abila, Samantha Cook, and Mikayla Stephenson; and Mark Monteith, vocal teacher at Duncan Middle School.

The Lawton Schubert Music Club initiated the first performance of “Messiah” in Lawton in December 1941. Presented in a variety of settings, it has become a performance tradition during the Christmas season in the greater Lawton/Fort Sill area. A chorus of more than 100 singers from as many as 30 different congregations have performed during past years; however, a smaller number of performers will take the stage this year due to COVID precautions.

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PR# 21-145

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