Handel’s Messiah, Returns to Atlantic City

 One of The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey’s most enduring traditions returns to Atlantic City on December 11 with the holiday presentation of Handel’s Messiah.  “Each time we perform this classic holiday masterpiece it takes on a life of its own,” said its director, Stockton Professor of Music Beverly Vaughn.  “It always has a different roster of participants and the presentation itself is adjusted. That is one of the reasons why this event always is fresh and why our audiences respond so enthusiastically to it.”  The event, co-sponsored by Stockton’s School of Art and Humanities and the Performing Arts program, will take place at 7:30 p.m., Sunday December 11 at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Roman Catholic Church, Pacific and S. Tennessee avenues, Atlantic City.  As usual, the presentation will feature various groups from Stockton’s choral program and guests from throughout the community.  What’s different this year is the event’s tie-in with Stockton’s year-long 40th Anniversary of Teaching. “We have one of the largest choral forces in the history of the College lined up for a performance people will never forget,” Vaughn said.

According to Vaughn, the event is more than a concert; it is a major outreach program of the School of Arts and Humanities. “Community engagement is one of the tenants of Stockton College,” she said. “Traditionally, the holiday presentation of Handel’s Messiah has been a way in which we connect with everyone, regardless of background. It has become an event through which we engage with our community celebration of this beautiful musical piece.” Tickets are $8 for general admission, $6 for seniors and students and the event is expected to sell out.  Call the Stockton Performing Arts Center box office to order, 609-652-9000.