Bethany College Announces Program for the 2026 Messiah Festival of the Arts
Messiah Festival theme of every, “Every Valley” explores connection between tradition and community
LINDSBORG, KS. November 25, 2025 — Bethany College today announced the 145th consecutive season of its nationally recognized Messiah Festival of the Arts bethanylb.edu/messiahfestival, featuring acclaimed soloists, orchestra, and chorus performances of Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, and traditions that span more than a century.
The 2026 festival will be presented under the theme “Every Valley,” inviting audiences to explore the evolving relationship between tradition, community, and artistic expression. This theme reflects the festival’s role as a gathering place where historic faith traditions, musical excellence, and contemporary voices intersect to create meaningful shared experiences. Through performances, worship, and artistic engagement, “Every Valley” encourages participants to reflect on how art and spirituality can shape and strengthen community in a changing world.
“Bethany College’s 145th consecutive season features acclaimed soloists, performances of Messiah and St. Matthew Passion with orchestra and chorus, and continued traditions that span more than a century,” said Troy Robertson, DMA, Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Bethany College. “I want to welcome all who seek to learn, grow, and consider the world around them to the nation’s oldest and most cherished musical festival.”
Tickets are now on sale for the featured performances:
- Early bird tickets: $25 (price increases to $30 on January 5)
- Purchase tickets online at bethanylb.edu/messiahfestival
- Additional announcements regarding featured soloists and the full festival schedule will be released in the coming weeks.
“The 2026 Festival theme, ‘Every Valley,’ invites us to explore the connections between our cherished tradition and our evolving community,” said Melissa Woeppel, Bethany College Campus Pastor. “Like a valley that gathers waters from distant sources, our festival has become a unique confluence where Swedish and Lutheran heritage meets contemporary artistic expressions, where ancient texts find new relevance, and where diverse voices come together in harmony. We invite our community and visitors from near and far to join us in this celebration of fine arts and spiritual reflection—a festival that has stood as a cultural cornerstone for generations while continually embracing new artistic horizons.”
The Messiah Festival of the Arts remains one of the nation’s oldest and most cherished musical traditions, drawing participants and visitors from across the country to Lindsborg each year.For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bethanylb.edu/messiahfestival.
About Bethany College
Bethany College (bethanylb.edu) is a higher educational institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas. Bethany College was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For more than 140 years, Bethany College has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany College, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
CONTACT:
Christie Denniston
Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Engagement
Email: dennistoncl@bethanylb.edu
Phone: 303-827-5164
