Lakehead and TBSO Team up for Handel's Messiah: Friday Evening and Saturday Matinee Performances at St. Paul’s United Church

(November 20, 2008 - Thunder Bay, ON) On November 28 and 29, Lakehead University and Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra will present Handel's Messiah at St. Paul's United Church in Thunder Bay. Messiah is one of the most popular works in choral literature, and is Handel's most famous creation.

"This oratorio has the longest running performance history of all works in the repertoire, with a performance virtually every year since it was premiered in 1742," says Messiah conductor and Lakehead University Professor Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans. The Thunder Bay Symphony Chorus and the Lakehead University Vocal Ensemble join forces to create a choir of almost 150 voices. Thunder Bay native countertenor Scott Belluz will join soprano Kimy McLaren, tenor David Menzies, and baritone James Levesque as guest soloists for the performances.

"It's been 5 years since Messiah was performed in Thunder Bay, and we're excited to work with the University to bring this well-loved holiday tradition back to life this year," says Leanne Atkinson, General Manager of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Audiences of all ages have the choice of attending an 8:00 p.m. performance on Friday, or a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Saturday.

Messiah tickets are $35 each, $13 for students. Tickets are available by calling 684-4444, or at the door if available. Proceeds support the Lakehead University Department of Music Bursary Fund, and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra.


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Media: Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans is available for media interview by calling Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca