Tabor College’s performance of Messiah (performed this year on Dec. 7 at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church) has heralded the holiday season in Hillsboro for more than half of the college’s 100-year history.
According to the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, the earliest record of Tabor performing Messiah was December 2, 1951, with Herbert C. Richert as director. That was 57 years ago.
“A lot of people say it’s not Christmas until Tabor performs Messiah, so it’s always been our kick-off performance in the first weekend of December,” said Dr. Bradley Vogel, Professor of Choral Music, who is celebrating “Twelve Years of Christmases” as conductor of the Christmas Festival, and his 11th year as conductor of Messiah.
According to Peggy Goertzen, Director of CMBS, through the late 1930s and the 1940s, The Holy City and The Crucifixion were traditionally sung at the college at Christmastime. It’s possible that Messiah also was sung before 1951.
“We do have the original 1951 program, and newspaper article from the 1951 production,” she said. “But the press release does not say anything about it being the first time Messiah was being presented. It is possible that it was presented once 20 years earlier, but I have no documentation.”
To celebrate the rich musical history of the college in its centennial year, Messiah’s solos were sung by Tabor alums and vocalists affiliated with the school’s music department.
Soprano solos were performed by Lisa (Loewen) Kroeker, Henderson, Neb., and Dr. Holly Swartzendruber, Assistant Professor of Vocal Music; alto solos were performed by Jennifer (Hope) Chlumsky, Salina, Kan.; tenor solos were performed by Jay Kroeker, Henderson, Neb.; and bass solos were sung by Glen Litke, Hillsboro, Kan.
“In addition to our principle soloists, we’ve invited a good number of alums to come back to sing in the choir because it’s the centennial year,” said Vogel. “We expect to have between 70 and 80 voices.”
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