Bleacher seats were hard! We were excited to stand up when the “Hallelujah” Chorus was sung.
We were lucky enough to get tickets to Handel's "Messiah" presented by BYU-I students tonight. It was as fabulous as I always remembered it. We went with both of our parents and also took Alexis, Mason, and Lily this time. The spirit of the music from the Messiah is rooted deep inside me as it brings up layered memories from past Christmas seasons. The final song, "Worthy is the Lamb" just bundles the entire oratorio together with perfect majesty (for me).
My dad and mom took our family as often as they could. It is the place that my dad asked my mom to marry him 45 years ago – so there is some nostalgia involved. 🙂 As I watched as a young girl of nine or ten I remember committing to myself that some day I would be in it. I am certain that I had very good feelings inside, that I wouldn't have been mature enough to realize, testifying of the magnificent purpose & love offered from our Savior. I wanted to be a part of it though! I watched the orchestra and choirs both and felt a desire to be one of them. Back when my siblings and I were in high school the music faculty, at the then Ricks College, invited local surrounding choirs to perform a specific selection each year. My sister, Michelle, was first to perform, then Eric, happily it was then my turn (our choir sang, "Lift of Your Heads") and Scott followed after me. This was my first chance to participate and I thought it was great.
When I entered Ricks College a couple of years later, I auditioned for Concert Chorale and Acapella Choir (both choirs were highly esteemed in my head). To my dismay and great sadness, I did not make it for either! I felt like my bubble had burst and it took me at least one semester to get over it. Because of not making the choirs I decided to audition for the Symphony. I was very nervous because of the rejection I had from choir auditions, but I did it anyway because I was desperate and had to be in some sort of musical outlet. (I later found myself signed up for Women's Choir that semester too) And I found my name among those listed who made if for the Symphony! I was very delighted and enjoyed my involvement with the symphony – my stand partner was awesome. The crowning moment for me, of course, was when the Overture started at our performance in the Messiah presentation. My heart was overflowing with happiness as I realized the commitment I had made to myself as a young girl had come true! I was also able to sing with the Women's Choir that year, singing, "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth." (FYI – I auditioned for Concert Chorale the following year and made it! Kids, this is a message to you to never give up or take no for an answer if you want something bad enough!)
Handel's "Messiah" has been a part of my Christmas for as long as I can remember. It reminds us of the miraculous birth, the passionate crucifixion and atonement, and the joyful resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Take time to check out the December Ensign this year (2010) and notice the article written on Handel's Messiah. Did you know that Handel wrote the score to the Messiah in 3 weeks? WOW! It is well worth the read.