University of Nevada, Reno welcomes new choral conductor

By Nonie Wainwright

 

RENO — The University of Nevada, Reno Department of Music announces the addition of Paul Torkelson, an esteemed choral conductor and educator, to the University faculty this fall. Torkelson will serve as the director of choral activities, conduct the symphonic choir and chamber chorale, and teach choral methods and conducting.

Torkelson, who debuted as director of choral activities last month when he directed the University Chamber Singers in concert, will direct a free concert of Handel’s “Messiah” at the Nightingale Concert Hall as the University Choirs and Symphony Orchestras perform on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

“I think I’ve conducted Messiah at least 15 times, but I’ve really enjoyed preparing it this year,” Torkelson said. “We’ve worked very hard to make the text understandable which can sometimes be a problem, and we’ll also get a chance to feature many of our singers as soloists in the concert.”

Composed in 1741, “Messiah” premiered in Dublin, Ireland in April of 1742. It was repeatedly revised by Handel and reached its most familiar version in 1754. Although the work was conceived for secular theatre and first performed during Lent or at Easter, it has become common practice since Handel’s death to perform “Messiah” during Advent, the preparatory period of the Christmas season.