Bluffton resident, Sarah Diller, is one of the Handel "Messiah" soloists this year. The performance is at 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, in Founders Hall. We had a brief chat with her about the upcoming event. Here's part of our conversation.

Here's the link to all the information about this year's performance.

What year did you graduate from Bluffton High School?
2007

How about college and your degree?
I graduated from Bluffton University in 2011 with a degree in Music Liberal Arts-concentration in performance and a minor in theater. This past May, I graduated from Wichita State University with a Masters of Music in Opera Performance.

Is this your first solo Messiah?
This is my first Messiah solo!

What other solo performances like this have you had?
This is actually a pretty new experience for me. I've done a few recitals, but most of my performing has been in opera and musical theater.

What's it going to be like performing in front of a local audience?
It's exciting, but also a little nerve-wracking. I really don't want to mess up!

How long have you rehearsed your parts for this Messiah?
Mark Suderman contacted me in September about performing and I hit the ground running the next day.

How many hours a day or week?
It varies, really. I try to average 12-15 hours a week. I've been balancing Messiah with music for some upcoming auditions, so my time in the practice room has really increased these past few weeks.

What's your favorite Messiah solo?
My favorite solo that I'm singing is "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion," my all-time favorite is the alto/tenor duet "O death, where is thy sting." Unfortunately, it is unlikely I will ever perform that piece.

How old were you when you first attended a Messiah performance in Bluffton?
I have no idea, but it was before I was old enough to appreciate it. My parents (or maybe just my dad) used to sing in the chorus, so Erin, Liz, and I would be forced to go. We used to sneak out and sit on the couches in the lobby of Founders. I've grown to appreciate The Messiah since then.

What's next on your concert tour after Messiah at Bluffton?
I don't have any definite gigs after this, but I have a few auditions coming up. I'm moving out to Chicago next month, so we'll see what happens!

Where does your musical talent come from - your mom or dad?
Both. Erin and Liz are pretty musically talented, too. I still have high hopes we'll start a family band.