The Rogers State University Choir is seeking new members for its 2009-2010 Season which will feature a December performance of Handel’s “The Messiah” with the Tulsa Symphony Chamber Orchestra in Claremore.
“The experience of performing the most famous choral work of all time will be unforgettable for members of the choir,” said Lonnie Liggitt, conductor of the RSU Choir. “Collaborating with the Tulsa Symphony will provide all of our performers – students as well as members of the community – with a sense of professionalism and accomplishment.”
The new RSU Choir was formed last year. The previous RSU Choir was disbanded several years ago after notable success, culminating in a trip to Carnegie Hall in New York to sing Mozart’s “Requiem” with several other college choirs.
The RSU Choir and Tulsa Symphony Chamber Orchestra will present a joint performance of Handel’s “The Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Robson Performing Arts Center in Claremore. “The RSU Choir will be joined by several area church choirs and music organizations to create an ensemble of more than 60 voices for ‘The Messiah,'” Liggitt said.
The Claremore Symphony League is assisting in the underwriting of the Tulsa Symphony’s participation in “The Messiah.”
The RSU Choir also will participate in the “Route 66 Playhouse,” an old-fashioned live program featuring music, skits, comedy and interviews, to be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, in the Will Rogers Auditorium on the RSU campus in Claremore. The playhouse, which will be similar in format to Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion,” will feature a prestigious slate of Oklahoma authors, musicians and actors, Liggitt said.
Liggitt began his conducting career as a faculty member at Syracuse University, and continued with the Pittsburgh (Pa.) Civic Light Opera. He conducted the world premiere of Antol Dorati’s “Missa Brevis” and was associate conductor of the New York premiere of Dominique Argento’s “Masque of Angel.”
In addition to serving as conductor of the RSU Choir, Liggitt serves as conductor and organist for the First Presbyterian Church Choir in Claremore. He also operates a private piano and composition studio, is on the Board of Directors of the Tulsa Symphony and serves as executive director of the Claremore Symphony League.
The choir will rehearse at 6 p.m. each Monday night during the fall semester. Auditions will not be required. Those interested in participating in the RSU Choir may call Liggitt at 637-7954.