Performance of Handel’s MESSIAH

Christian School Students Join Santa Cruz Mormons

George Frideric Handel’s 1741 oratorio, MESSIAH, is perhaps the most beloved choral work in the Christian canon. In an exciting collaboration, the combined choirs of Monte Vista Christian School in Watsonville and the Santa Cruz Stake Choir of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will perform MESSIAH at the LDS Stake Center at 220 Elk Street in Santa Cruz, on Sunday, December 7 at 6 pm.

This 150-voice effort will be under the baton of Dr. David Anthony Dehner, the Director of Vocal Arts at Monte Vista Christian School. They’ll be joined by several MVCS alumni who have degrees in vocal performance from various Bay Area colleges and universities or are currently enrolled in music studies. An orchestra comprised of professional musicians from the community will accompany the combined choir. LDS Choir Director, Dr. Ruth Kaspar, is rehearsing the LDS singers and will lead the bell choir performing prelude music beginning at 5:45 pm.

MESSIAH is a favorite of both choral groups. The Biblical text moves from Christ’s birth all the way through the Savior’s crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, making the inspired piece appropriate at both Christmas and Easter. Monte Vista has performed Part 1 of the MESSIAH each of the last eight Christmas seasons, and the LDS singers sponsored a community Messiah Sing last year.

There is no admission fee, but attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food donation to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. For more information on this event contact Ruth Kaspar at 831-420-0722.

Bringing about this Musical Collaboration

The invitation to perform MESSIAH at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came from Stake President Wilson Walch, the spiritual leader of seven Mormon congregations in Santa Cruz County. Walch’s daughter is one of four LDS students enrolled at Monte Vista Christian School and one of two who sing in the choir. Donald Scott, a counselor to President Walch, has had four of his children attend Monte Vista in years past.

Both Walch and Scott say they chose MVCS so their children would experience Christian teachings and values in the classroom. Dr. Dehner says he loves having LDS children enrolled at Monte Vista and that his main goal is to place the word of the Lord in the hearts of all the children he teaches.

More about David Anthony Dehner

David Anthony Dehner has been the chair of Fine and Performing Arts and Director of Vocal Arts at Monte Vista Christian School for 13 years. For his work as a music educator, Dr. Dehner is one of 25 national semifinalists out of 5,000 nominations vying for a GRAMMY as Music Educator of the Year. The field will be reduced to 10 finalists in December and the winner will be announced on February 8th at the Grammy awards.

Dr. Dehner says he and his wife have not been blessed with children of their own, but take pride in the hundreds of students he’s taught and mentored.

About 16 years ago, his mother had a vision that she had grandchildren from all around the world. When she first visited her son at Monte Vista Christian School and saw children of all colors and race in his program, she declared, “Oh! That’s that vision that I had.”

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Wes Sims: Director of Public Affairs Santa Cruz Stake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints