WC NEWS

26 years of Messiah and the community choir that keeps it going

For over a quarter-century, Weatherford College’s annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah” has served as the official musical kickoff to the Christmas season in Parker County, drawing capacity crowds to the Alkek Fine Arts Center.  

This year, the college’s community tradition returns to the stage at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8. Admission is free and seating is limited, so arrive early.  

What began in 1998 as a simple request from then-WC President Jim Boyd to start a community choir has blossomed into one of the college’s most popular and enduring fine arts events.  

“The following was instant,” said Rob Laney, the choir’s founding director and current WC music faculty member. “In the next year, the theatre was so full we had to bring in extra chairs for the audience.”  

The concert’s enduring appeal, which survived a brief silence during the COVID-19 pandemic, is rooted in both the majesty of the music and the dedication of the performers.  

Current choir director Rick Rainey, an accomplished musician and adjunct instructor who recently completed his 24th session with the Dallas Opera, brought the concert back with a single expectation: “That the members of Parker County Community Choir that I had enjoyed singing with for so many years would joyously return to sing with us… and so many did!” 

Rainey attributes the concert’s popularity to its perfect timing and the composition itself.   

“Messiah is considered among the greatest musical works ever written, and it has become a part of many families’ cherished Christmas traditions here in Weatherford,” he said.  

He is quick to praise the volunteer spirit of the choir members.  

“The best part about directing is definitely the people involved,” he said. “This group selflessly dedicates their time and efforts to this performance. It is a sharing of energy and a deep love for music.”  

Evone Scott, a dedicated choir member since 2002, has missed only one performance. She continues to participate to keep her musical skills sharp and for the companionship.  

“I also love to reunite with members each year,” she said. “Some of us have been together for more than a decade. It is nice to see the choir come back together each year and continue to hone its performance.”  

Both directors and members have strong attachments to various parts of the oratorio. Rainey names the ubiquitous “Hallelujah” chorus as his favorite for its “majestic triumph, proclaiming that ‘The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.’”  

“It reminds me of what Christmas is all about and why it is such a celebration of giving and true love,” he said.  

Laney, however, favors the profound complexity of “Surely He Hath Bourne Our Griefs,” noting that the music beautifully mirrors the profound message of grace and peace. Scott said, “For unto us a child is born” is always a crowd favorite.  

“I personally love chords with dissonance,” she said. “I don’t think I could pick a true favorite, but the song 'Since by Man Came Death' holds a special place in my heart. I love the simplicity of the notes, yet the powerful way dynamics and phrasing tell the story of Christ’s death for us.”