The Delaware State University and members of the Dover community will present a Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along and excerpts from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess in their annual Christmas Concert at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 in the Education and Humanities Theatre on campus. Curtis Everett Powell, director of DSU Choral Activities, will conduct the chorus, a renowned ensemble of guest soloists and the Harlem Festival Orchestra.
Audience members are invited to bring their own vocal scores and join the choir in the spirited holiday celebration of Handel’s Messiah. In addition, because this year marks the 75th anniversary of George and Ira Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, selection from that operatic masterpiece will also be performed.
The concert is free and open to the public and the concert’s featured soloists include:
• 
Brandie Sutton, soprano -- Known for her warm, lyrical voice, Ms. Sutton has performed at the Wraislavia Cantans International Music Festival in Poland, and in numerous concerts in the U.S. This year she made her debut at the John F. Kennedy Center where she performed in a recital hosted by the Vocal Arts Society of Washington, D.C.
• 
Yolanda Denise Bryant, soprano -- Most recently, Ms. Bryant has appeared as a soloist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Heritage Signature Chorale in the Concert for Life in Washington, D.C. She can be seen this season in teh Washington National Opera Don Pasquale.
• 
Wayne Jennings, tenor - Called one of the "nation's top young talents" by the Washington Free Voice, Mr. Jennings made his operatic debut in 2009 at the Amalfi Coast Music and Arts Festival in Italy as Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi. He is in high demand as both a soloist and chorister throughout the Washington, D.C. area.
• 
Louis Davis, baritone -- Mr. Davis has performed extensively as a soloist and chorister in the U.S. and Europe with the Howard University Choir, Morgan State Choir, the Moses Hogan Chorale and Singers, as well as the Natural Spiritual Ensemble. He has been a featured soloist with a number of orchestra and opera production, including the Sacred Concerts of Duke Ellington.
For more information or to obtain audience participation copies of the Messiah music, contact the Office of Choral Activities at (302) 857-6680.
