Your bike is a cancer-curing bike! The event is a family friendly bike ride which raises money to help fund cancer research. Bring your bike, your helmet and have some fun. 100% of the proceeds go to fund innovative cancer research in St. Louis at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Message on Facebook for additional information: West Plains Rides for Pedal the Cause 2022
From event organizers: “The time for this year’s Cars & Coffee is coming to a close. October will be the last one of the year, and we will start back up in March of next year. Hopefully we’ll have a great turnout for the last one of the season, and like always all are welcome: bikes, cars, trucks, (and yes, even boats). Conjure House Coffee will be there selling beverages. We hope to see you all there.”
The West Plains Model Railroad Club’s annual October Train Display is open Thursdays through Sundays through October 30 at the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds Harper Building.
Exhibit hours are:
4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays
1 to 3 p.m. Sundays
Admission and parking are free. Donations are accepted.
The public will have the opportunity to see the artistic craft it takes to build realistic train models, done to scale, for a show, say organizers. Club members will also be working on plans and changes to displays for the Christmas show to be held at the Harlin Museum.
This juried fine art competition show is open to artists in both youth and adult divisions and includes all 2D and 3D forms of fine art (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.). Awards are given for Best of Show, 1st Place, 2nd Place, and 3rd Place entries in each category of both adult and youth divisions. People’s Choice is awarded by popular vote.
While at the Harlin, visit the local history portion of the museum which includes displays featuring musicians Porter Wagoner and Jan Howard, and baseball stars Preacher Roe and Bill Virdon. Also see information about the West Plains Dancehall Explosion and other artifacts.
The exhibit is open during the museum’s regular hours, noon-4 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Always a Future for Kids (AFK) is sponsoring a fun event for kids at the Yellow House. The afternoon kicks off with craft time from 2 to 4 p.m. followed by other games and activities, ending with an outdoor, family-friendly movie at 7:30 p.m. Most activities are aimed at elementary-age children, but all are welcome to attend. Costumes are optional.
It’s a free event, but food will be available to purchase.
See more details/updates on Facebook: Always a Future for Kids
Admission is $15 per person (Cash only).
Concession opens at 7 and is open till the last person leaves.For further details, see Fear the Bloody Timber on Facebook.
email: fearthebloodytimber@gmail.com.
*last chance for Zombie Pizza
*wear a costume, enjoy Happy Hour pricing all day and night!
*6:30 pm costume contest with prizes, no entry cost
*7 pm BrotherPaint rocks the Front Porch! No cover charge.
Prizes for best costumes and drink specials.
This juried fine art competition show is open to artists in both youth and adult divisions and includes all 2D and 3D forms of fine art (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.). Awards are given for Best of Show, 1st Place, 2nd Place, and 3rd Place entries in each category of both adult and youth divisions. People’s Choice is awarded by popular vote.
While at the Harlin, visit the local history portion of the museum which includes displays featuring musicians Porter Wagoner and Jan Howard, and baseball stars Preacher Roe and Bill Virdon. Also see information about the West Plains Dancehall Explosion and other artifacts.
The exhibit is open during the museum’s regular hours, noon-4 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The West Plains Model Railroad Club’s annual October Train Display is open Thursdays through Sundays through October 30 at the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds Harper Building.
Exhibit hours are:
4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays
1 to 3 p.m. Sundays
Admission and parking are free. Donations are accepted.
The public will have the opportunity to see the artistic craft it takes to build realistic train models, done to scale, for a show, say organizers. Club members will also be working on plans and changes to displays for the Christmas show to be held at the Harlin Museum.
The Heights 1st Annual Halloween Trunk or Treat with food (including Conjure Coffee Truck, walking tacos by Rio Burrito and popcorn); games; face painting and more. On Facebook: The Heights 1st Annual Halloween Truck or Treat.
These are some of the local, sponsored trick-or-treating locations:
West Plains Senior Center, 416 E. Main • 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Christos House, 125 Jefferson • 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
West Plains Public Library, 750 W. Broadway • 4-6 p.m.
Hershenson Home on West Main • 4-8 p.m.
Yellow House, 209 W. Trish Knight St. • 4-9 p.m.
“Art and Words in Motion” is an exhibition of text-art mobiles by Shane Baker. It will be on display on the second floor of the Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) in October through December during regular hours of operation, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays-Fridays. Be aware of holiday closures. Free to the public.
Meet-the-Artist reception 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 16.
The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local artist Marc Brannan’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor October 3 through the end of December 2022. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Marc Brannan grew up on the family farm near Willow Springs, Missouri, and currently lives and works in West Plains. He started playing with cameras and taking pictures at a very young age. He loved playing in the old barn and enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible surrounded by nature. His parents nurtured his desire to travel and see new places. His dad encouraged him to learn and enjoy history, especially the history of his family and where they came from.
Artist Statement:
“I have always enjoyed the stories of my mom attending one-room schools when she was a kid, and I think that is a big reason I seek them out to photograph today. There are less of them around every year, as a lot of them slowly fall into disrepair and collapse unless they have been cared for or restored over the years. I love incorporating them into my landscape photography as much as I can, especially as a way of preserving their history. I also enjoy nature photography and have started trying to capture more shots of wildlife, both in and out of our area. I would go for a drive out in the country and notice the old townships along the way that are slowly disappearing. I would try to find an old store, or church, and if I was lucky, the old schoolhouse. Something historical that could share a little bit of that town’s history. I also strive to meet with the owners of those buildings or residents, to help provide personal accounts of their history. A lot of the time, they are stories that won’t be documented in any history books. At some point, I would like to put together a book of photos, possibly a history of schoolhouses and townships that I have searched out in my efforts.
The pictures that I have selected for this exhibition show a range of my photos that depict the history and outdoor settings that our area, as well as others, are known for—whether historic or in the natural beauty and wildlife that we see in the Ozarks .”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend, meet Brannan, view, and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Days are:
27th 6-8pm
28th 6-10pm
29th 6-10pm
31st 6-8 pm
“Weeknight closing times will be at 8:00 due to our spooky monsters having school the next day. This spook house is run by 6th-12th grade students who enjoy freaking out our neighbors. Please be respectful and we will do our best to give you a good scare.”
“Art and Words in Motion” is an exhibition of text-art mobiles by Shane Baker. It will be on display on the second floor of the Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) in October through December during regular hours of operation, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays-Fridays. Be aware of holiday closures. Free to the public.
Meet-the-Artist reception 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 16.
The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local artist Marc Brannan’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor October 3 through the end of December 2022. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Marc Brannan grew up on the family farm near Willow Springs, Missouri, and currently lives and works in West Plains. He started playing with cameras and taking pictures at a very young age. He loved playing in the old barn and enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible surrounded by nature. His parents nurtured his desire to travel and see new places. His dad encouraged him to learn and enjoy history, especially the history of his family and where they came from.
Artist Statement:
“I have always enjoyed the stories of my mom attending one-room schools when she was a kid, and I think that is a big reason I seek them out to photograph today. There are less of them around every year, as a lot of them slowly fall into disrepair and collapse unless they have been cared for or restored over the years. I love incorporating them into my landscape photography as much as I can, especially as a way of preserving their history. I also enjoy nature photography and have started trying to capture more shots of wildlife, both in and out of our area. I would go for a drive out in the country and notice the old townships along the way that are slowly disappearing. I would try to find an old store, or church, and if I was lucky, the old schoolhouse. Something historical that could share a little bit of that town’s history. I also strive to meet with the owners of those buildings or residents, to help provide personal accounts of their history. A lot of the time, they are stories that won’t be documented in any history books. At some point, I would like to put together a book of photos, possibly a history of schoolhouses and townships that I have searched out in my efforts.
The pictures that I have selected for this exhibition show a range of my photos that depict the history and outdoor settings that our area, as well as others, are known for—whether historic or in the natural beauty and wildlife that we see in the Ozarks .”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend, meet Brannan, view, and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Grizzlies vs. Link Year Prep. Tickets can be bought in advance at the box office, by calling the Civic Center at 417-256-8087 or through Ticketmaster.
“Art and Words in Motion” is an exhibition of text-art mobiles by Shane Baker. It will be on display on the second floor of the Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) in October through December during regular hours of operation, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays-Fridays. Be aware of holiday closures. Free to the public.
Meet-the-Artist reception 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 16.
The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local artist Marc Brannan’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor October 3 through the end of December 2022. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Marc Brannan grew up on the family farm near Willow Springs, Missouri, and currently lives and works in West Plains. He started playing with cameras and taking pictures at a very young age. He loved playing in the old barn and enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible surrounded by nature. His parents nurtured his desire to travel and see new places. His dad encouraged him to learn and enjoy history, especially the history of his family and where they came from.
Artist Statement:
“I have always enjoyed the stories of my mom attending one-room schools when she was a kid, and I think that is a big reason I seek them out to photograph today. There are less of them around every year, as a lot of them slowly fall into disrepair and collapse unless they have been cared for or restored over the years. I love incorporating them into my landscape photography as much as I can, especially as a way of preserving their history. I also enjoy nature photography and have started trying to capture more shots of wildlife, both in and out of our area. I would go for a drive out in the country and notice the old townships along the way that are slowly disappearing. I would try to find an old store, or church, and if I was lucky, the old schoolhouse. Something historical that could share a little bit of that town’s history. I also strive to meet with the owners of those buildings or residents, to help provide personal accounts of their history. A lot of the time, they are stories that won’t be documented in any history books. At some point, I would like to put together a book of photos, possibly a history of schoolhouses and townships that I have searched out in my efforts.
The pictures that I have selected for this exhibition show a range of my photos that depict the history and outdoor settings that our area, as well as others, are known for—whether historic or in the natural beauty and wildlife that we see in the Ozarks .”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend, meet Brannan, view, and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Continuing programming by the West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) to support The Alliance: Arts and Cultural Organizations (Arts Alliance) will feature a roundtable discussion on Cultural Inclusion and its importance to the growth of our organizations and community. This program is open to the public.
The roundtable will be held 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2, in the Redbud Room at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St., West Plains, MO 65775. The session will also be available via a Google Meets link. Those interested in joining virtually should email info@westplainsarts.org to register and obtain the link.
The panel is intended to be an informal discussion of cultural inclusion themes. “We know these themes are multi-dimensional, encompassing areas of geography, accessibility, and economics, to name just a few,” says WPCA President Kathleen Morrissey. Panelists with deep connections to the root culture and an appreciation for how creative use of stories, history and tradition can contribute to the vitality of our communities will include:
Beth Hykes, who brings her experience in rural social work and community mental health. She also is an active participant in the arts community as a musician and poet.
Crockett Oaks, Associate Vice-Chancellor for Business and Support Services at Missouri State University-West Plains, and small business owner in West Plains with generational ties to our community.
Terry Sanders, Executive Director of Ozark Action, Inc., who brings a passion for creative placemaking to the session.
Marideth Sisco, acclaimed singer-songwriter-storyteller, with a wealth of knowledge of the people and places of the Ozarks.
Grant funding for the roundtables is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) as part of their Challenge America: Arts Engagement in American Communities programming.
“Art and Words in Motion” is an exhibition of text-art mobiles by Shane Baker. It will be on display on the second floor of the Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) in October through December during regular hours of operation, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays-Fridays. Be aware of holiday closures. Free to the public.
Meet-the-Artist reception 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 16.
The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local artist Marc Brannan’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor October 3 through the end of December 2022. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Marc Brannan grew up on the family farm near Willow Springs, Missouri, and currently lives and works in West Plains. He started playing with cameras and taking pictures at a very young age. He loved playing in the old barn and enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible surrounded by nature. His parents nurtured his desire to travel and see new places. His dad encouraged him to learn and enjoy history, especially the history of his family and where they came from.
Artist Statement:
“I have always enjoyed the stories of my mom attending one-room schools when she was a kid, and I think that is a big reason I seek them out to photograph today. There are less of them around every year, as a lot of them slowly fall into disrepair and collapse unless they have been cared for or restored over the years. I love incorporating them into my landscape photography as much as I can, especially as a way of preserving their history. I also enjoy nature photography and have started trying to capture more shots of wildlife, both in and out of our area. I would go for a drive out in the country and notice the old townships along the way that are slowly disappearing. I would try to find an old store, or church, and if I was lucky, the old schoolhouse. Something historical that could share a little bit of that town’s history. I also strive to meet with the owners of those buildings or residents, to help provide personal accounts of their history. A lot of the time, they are stories that won’t be documented in any history books. At some point, I would like to put together a book of photos, possibly a history of schoolhouses and townships that I have searched out in my efforts.
The pictures that I have selected for this exhibition show a range of my photos that depict the history and outdoor settings that our area, as well as others, are known for—whether historic or in the natural beauty and wildlife that we see in the Ozarks .”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend, meet Brannan, view, and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Homemade chili or hot dogs for sale. Register for free door prize. Free apple cider. Raffles for beautifully decorated tree and quilt.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, November 3-4
9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 5
This juried fine art competition show is open to artists in both youth and adult divisions and includes all 2D and 3D forms of fine art (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.). Awards are given for Best of Show, 1st Place, 2nd Place, and 3rd Place entries in each category of both adult and youth divisions. People’s Choice is awarded by popular vote.
While at the Harlin, visit the local history portion of the museum which includes displays featuring musicians Porter Wagoner and Jan Howard, and baseball stars Preacher Roe and Bill Virdon. Also see information about the West Plains Dancehall Explosion and other artifacts.
The exhibit is open during the museum’s regular hours, noon-4 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Grizzlies vs. Missouri Southern JV. Tickets can be bought in advance at the box office, by calling the Civic Center at 417-256-8087 or through Ticketmaster
“Art and Words in Motion” is an exhibition of text-art mobiles by Shane Baker. It will be on display on the second floor of the Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) in October through December during regular hours of operation, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays-Fridays. Be aware of holiday closures. Free to the public.
Meet-the-Artist reception 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 16.
The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the incubator. Local artist Marc Brannan’s works will be featured inside OzSBI’s first floor October 3 through the end of December 2022. Visitors may view the display at the incubator during OzSBI’s business hours, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Marc Brannan grew up on the family farm near Willow Springs, Missouri, and currently lives and works in West Plains. He started playing with cameras and taking pictures at a very young age. He loved playing in the old barn and enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible surrounded by nature. His parents nurtured his desire to travel and see new places. His dad encouraged him to learn and enjoy history, especially the history of his family and where they came from.
Artist Statement:
“I have always enjoyed the stories of my mom attending one-room schools when she was a kid, and I think that is a big reason I seek them out to photograph today. There are less of them around every year, as a lot of them slowly fall into disrepair and collapse unless they have been cared for or restored over the years. I love incorporating them into my landscape photography as much as I can, especially as a way of preserving their history. I also enjoy nature photography and have started trying to capture more shots of wildlife, both in and out of our area. I would go for a drive out in the country and notice the old townships along the way that are slowly disappearing. I would try to find an old store, or church, and if I was lucky, the old schoolhouse. Something historical that could share a little bit of that town’s history. I also strive to meet with the owners of those buildings or residents, to help provide personal accounts of their history. A lot of the time, they are stories that won’t be documented in any history books. At some point, I would like to put together a book of photos, possibly a history of schoolhouses and townships that I have searched out in my efforts.
The pictures that I have selected for this exhibition show a range of my photos that depict the history and outdoor settings that our area, as well as others, are known for—whether historic or in the natural beauty and wildlife that we see in the Ozarks .”
A Meet-the-Artist event will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2-4 p.m. in OzSBI’s lobby at 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The public is invited to attend, meet Brannan, view, and discuss the pieces on display.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Madison Sutterfield madisonsutterfield@ozsbi.com at OzSBI or WPCA Coordinator Janey Hale at jhale2129@gmail.com.
Homemade chili or hot dogs for sale. Register for free door prize. Free apple cider. Raffles for beautifully decorated tree and quilt.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, November 3-4
9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 5
This juried fine art competition show is open to artists in both youth and adult divisions and includes all 2D and 3D forms of fine art (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.). Awards are given for Best of Show, 1st Place, 2nd Place, and 3rd Place entries in each category of both adult and youth divisions. People’s Choice is awarded by popular vote.
While at the Harlin, visit the local history portion of the museum which includes displays featuring musicians Porter Wagoner and Jan Howard, and baseball stars Preacher Roe and Bill Virdon. Also see information about the West Plains Dancehall Explosion and other artifacts.
The exhibit is open during the museum’s regular hours, noon-4 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Homemade chili or hot dogs for sale. Register for free door prize. Free apple cider. Raffles for beautifully decorated tree and quilt.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, November 3-4
9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 5
This juried fine art competition show is open to artists in both youth and adult divisions and includes all 2D and 3D forms of fine art (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.). Awards are given for Best of Show, 1st Place, 2nd Place, and 3rd Place entries in each category of both adult and youth divisions. People’s Choice is awarded by popular vote.
While at the Harlin, visit the local history portion of the museum which includes displays featuring musicians Porter Wagoner and Jan Howard, and baseball stars Preacher Roe and Bill Virdon. Also see information about the West Plains Dancehall Explosion and other artifacts.
The exhibit is open during the museum’s regular hours, noon-4 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
2 p.m. – signup starts
3 p.m. – gameplay starts
$10 to compete
Doubles, possible singles afterward if there’s still time.
Prize Money: 50% to 1st place, 30% to 2nd place, 20% to 3rd place + some prizes from Wages!
Rules and extra details coming. Check event page on Facebook: Foosball Tournament at Wages
Concert with Joe Batterton and Mark Edwards, featuring the artwork of Garrett Melby. Batterton and Edwards are a music duo with their sound anchored in American roots music.
From organizers:
Impact Dance Complex is ready to get you in the holiday spirit the right way, without skipping the thankfulness and no buying pressure from the department store “Christmas creep!”
That doesn’t mean we won’t get a little silly with a Turkey Trot or dancing in our stretchy pants…But we promise to heap on the warm fuzzy feelings of what the holidays are all about — family, community, being together, that feeling of ‘home.’
Each class will perform in our Kick Off to the Holidays Winter Showcase, giving each student their time in the spotlight. We can’t wait to see them shine!
Then, at the show’s conclusion, the Impact Dance Competition Team will draw the winner of the four gift baskets that are currently being raffled off, live and on-stage! We hope you’ll join us.
This juried fine art competition show is open to artists in both youth and adult divisions and includes all 2D and 3D forms of fine art (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.). Awards are given for Best of Show, 1st Place, 2nd Place, and 3rd Place entries in each category of both adult and youth divisions. People’s Choice is awarded by popular vote.
While at the Harlin, visit the local history portion of the museum which includes displays featuring musicians Porter Wagoner and Jan Howard, and baseball stars Preacher Roe and Bill Virdon. Also see information about the West Plains Dancehall Explosion and other artifacts.
The exhibit is open during the museum’s regular hours, noon-4 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and Missouri State University-West Plains, University/Community Programs (U/CP) invite everyone to a Community Messiah Sing, directed by Larry Dame, and scheduled for Sunday, November 6, 2022, 2:30 PM, in the Civic Center Theater, 110 St. Louis St., West Plains, Missouri.
Open seating; no advance reservations required. Non-singers are welcome to listen and enjoy!
The Christmas portion of “Messiah,” using the G. Schirmer score, will be performed. The audience is invited to sing along in these favorite Messiah choruses: Glory of the Lord, And He Shall Purify, Thou that Tellest Good Tidings, For Unto Us a Child is Born, Glory to God in the Highest, and of course, the Hallelujah Chorus!
G. F. Handel was born in Halle, Germany, February 23, 1685; a vintage year for Baroque composers as this was the same year J. S. Bach was born. Handel became a prominent German British Baroque composer, famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems and organ concertos. Handel received musical training in Halle and Hamburg Germany and in Italy before settling in London in 1712. He became a naturalized British subject in 1727. The people of England were getting tired of music in foreign languages and wanted works they could understand.
In the summer of 1741, Handel received an invitation from the Lord Lieutenant in Dublin to compose a new sacred oratorio which would crown a series of performances. In July of 1741, Charles Jennens, a wealthy landowner with musical and literary interests sent Handel a new libretto for an oratorio and in a letter to a friend, dated July 10, 1741, Jennens wrote: “I hope Handel will lay out his whole Genius and Skill upon it, that the Composition may excell all his former Compositions, as the Subject excells every other subject; the subject is Messiah.” Handel began to compose the music on August 22, 1741 and September14, 1741 the entire oratorio was finished.
At the end of the oratorio he penned the letters “SDG”, Soli Deo Gloria, “To God alone the glory.” Chorus participation is encouraged and needed. Practice CD’s and scores are available. Call the U/CP office at 417-255-7966 if interested. For further information, email
info@westplainsarts.org
This event is sponsored by Missouri State University-West Plains and West Plains Council on the Arts, with partial funding provided by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.