Every Year, Utah State University and various members of the community put on a performance of Handel’s Messiah. For the last 4 years, I have filmed it. As such, I attended the dress rehearsal last night. It is always an awesome performance, and each year it seems to get better.

Basically its volunteer soloists, choir, and orchestra – conducted by a talented musician/instructor of Audiology. Some of the songs are sung in Spanish, and all are translated into American Sign Language (ASL). The Sign Language is presented as a theatrical interpretation (as opposed to a word for word transliteration) of the performance. Proceeds from ticket and DVD sales, in addition to various sponsor donations, go to fund an Audiological mission to Mexico, in which students from Utah State travel to Mexico to test hearing and fit people with hearing aides as needed.

This year, the performance will be at the Ellen Eccles Theater. In addition to the typical evening performances they are trying something new this year – A Saturday afternoon matinee specifically geared toward children and families. It will be more educational – information about Handel & his music, as well as concert etiquette, etc… The dialog will be presented in English, Spanish and ASL.

In any case, its a great experience and I highly recommend attending if you can.
The dates are March 28th & 29th, 2008 and ticket prices range from $5 to $10 depending on seating location. Or $10 for a family of 5 (matinee only, and children must be 5 years or older). You can get tickets here, or at the Ellen Eccles Theater Box Office: (435) 752-0026. (Note: I wasn’t able to find how to get the family discount via online ordering)
Here are a few images from yesterday’s rehearsal – and a video clip from last year’s performance.

Also don’t forget tonights’ Sweet Pork Burrito Taste-off!
Tasters, we’ll see you tonight! Everyone else. look here tomorrow for the results. Happy Eating!