Thirty-seven professional singers and musicians from across the nation will perform Handel's Messiah Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium on the Abilene Christian University campus. Charles Nelson, professor emeritus of music at ACU, and his wife, Betty, invited the musicians to perform for the Abilene community to celebrate their 80th year, said Nelson.
"It seemed better to do a musical performance than something like taking a cruise to celebrate," said Nelson. "Music has been a part of our whole lives."
"The singers I have selected are all outstanding solo singers," said Nelson. "I want to feature all of them, and there is no other major work I can think of that would better accommodate 20 soloists."
Nelson first performed Messiah in December 1941 with the Grand Chorus at North Texas State Teachers College in Denton.
"Messiah is by far the most popular major choral orchestral work done in the English language," said Nelson. "The first major choral work that I participated in 65 year ago was Messiah. It was the beginning of my choral experience."
Since then, Nelson has worked as a music educator, conductor, choral director, teacher and singer. Nelson began his teaching career in Texas public schools, and he taught at David Lipscomb University and East Texas State University before coming to ACU in 1984.
Nelson has sung with orchestras in 49 states and 15 foreign countries, and he has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In May 1993, Nelson was honored by Texas Gov. Ann Richards at the Governor's Mansion in Austin for his distinguished career in music.
Along with her husband, Betty Nelson has also been active in supporting the arts and music.
"Betty is a strong supporter of music, and she has been my strong right arm through the years," said Nelson.
Since moving to Abilene in 1984, the couple has been involved in many community groups and organizations, such as the Abilene Philharmonic Association, the Abilene Opera Association and The Grace Museum.
On the day of the performance, those seats not filled at 1:50 p.m. by ticket holders will be open to anyone.
If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.
