Bluffton University will present its 126th performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12, in Yoder Recital Hall. While tickets are free, seats need to be reserved at www.bluffton.edu/tickets or at Marbeck Center. 

Dr. Bo Young Kang, director of choral activities, will conduct the oratorio. Soloists along with the Bluffton Choral Society including students, faculty, staff and community members will be accompanied by an orchestra. 

Masks are required inside Yoder Recital Hall. A free-will offering will be taken for music scholarships.

The English-language oratorio was composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel. While huge choral performances were popularized in the 20th century, the composer created the work for small ensembles. The scriptural text was compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible and the Coverdale Psalter.

In 2020, Bluffton University provided an online streaming performance.