Musical collaboration
10/23/2024
Making connections through music
Dr. SeaHwa Jung, associate professor of music and chair of visual and performing arts at University of Findlay, will conduct Bluffton University’s 130th and 131st performances of Handel’s ‘Messiah’.
“Conducting Messiah is my favorite piece of work,” said Jung. “I have performed Messiah many times as a singer and a conductor, and I am really looking forward to these two performances.”
The 130th performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, in Yoder Recital Hall, Bluffton University, and the 131st performance will be at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, in Winebrenner Auditorium, University of Findlay.
Soloists along with the Bluffton Choral Society, University of Findlay Choir, College First Church of God Choir and Findlay Civic Choir will be accompanied by an orchestra, conducted by Jung.
Jung hopes having members from both the Bluffton and Findlay communities as well as having the events on both campuses will bring people, the community and the universities together. Jung hopes to inspire all who intend to focus on the real meaning of the Christmas season.
“This collaboration is a new beginning between Bluffton and Findlay, and I am really hoping it is meaningful,” said Jung. “My goal is to make good music and have good faith together for a brighter tomorrow.”
This collaboration between Bluffton and Findlay is an example of how the proposed merger between our two institutions makes this tradition, and our campuses, stronger together.
“Messiah is an important and longstanding tradition at Bluffton University, and this partnership allows Messiah to be performed by a wider group of singers and with two performances in the region, enjoyed by a broader audience,” said Claire Kleman, interim vice president of advancement and enrollment management. “Bluffton is excited for Dr. Jung’s contribution to this year’s performance!”
Jung has worked at University of Findlay for nine years. Jung received his undergraduate degree from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. He received a master’s degree from Colorado State University. Jung earned his doctorate in conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Jung has taught and conducted at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, College-Conservatory of Music and Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy High School.
While general admission tickets for both Messiah performances are free, space needs to be reserved.
The Messiah performances are made possible due to generous support from the Krehbiel-Raid-Pankratz endowment.