Freshmen set to tackle Handel's 'Messiah'

This year's Masterworks Concert puts George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" in the hands of Neuqua Valley's freshmen and top musical performers.

The Naperville high school's annual performance will have showings at 6 and 8:15 p.m. today in the school auditorium, 2360 95th St., Naperville.

The free concerts feature freshmen groups and the school's top performing ensembles.

The tradition began about five years ago as an extension of the high school's popular Crystal Concert. As Neuqua grew, leaders at the freshman campus decided to create their own event with a different focus.

And Masterworks was born.

Each year, music educators build a concert around a specific master works composition. Previous pieces have included Mozart's "Requiem" and Bernstein's "Chichester Psalms."

Guests will hear a variety of vocal, orchestral and chamber and flute ensembles in addition to other small groups.

"It goes from one group to the next as quickly as we can," said Bill Jastrow, assistant fine arts department chair. "The idea is to present a seamless flow of music."

The music is associated with the European monarchy and features several melodies, in some cases as many as six, running at one time.

But for students, it's a difficult concert for another reason, Jastrow said.

Performers are just coming off a three-week break -- two for the holidays and one for finals.

"To be honest, very much of (the first day back) was, 'This is your trumpet, do you still remember how to play it?' " Jastrow said. "It's a refresher day."

Not that he's worried -- the performance will come together, he said.

For details, visit neuquamusic.org.

If you go

What: Neuqua Valley's Masterworks Concert

When: 6 and 8:15 p.m. today

Where: Neuqua Valley High School auditorium, 2360 95th St., Naperville

Cost: Free

Info: (630) 428-6000 or neuquamusic.org