MESSIAH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS TO CELEBRATE WOMEN
November 18, 2019
LINDSBORG, KAN., November 6, 2019 – The Messiah Festival of the Arts proudly announces the major concert events in Lindsborg and theme for its 2020 season. This year’s Festival theme is “Messiah 2020: Celebrating Women in the Arts.” This ten-day festival of art, music, and theatre, will seek to feature the role of women in the arts, and the impact women have had on the Messiah Festival through the years.
Dr. Mark Lucas, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Bethany Oratorio Society, hopes that audiences and performers will experience and embrace the idea of community at the Festival. Events like the Soloists’ Recital, featuring the music of women composers, the Jazz Walk, and various endeavors in the visual arts and theatre, along-side the traditional Holy Week performances of Bach’s “Passion According to St. Matthew,” and Handel’s “Messiah,” are about bringing people together in new and in time-honored ways.
“I’ve often been told that our performances of Bach and Handel’s masterworks are bucket-list items, not to be missed,” said Dr. Lucas, Artistic Director of the Festival. “I hope people take the time to peruse our full schedule of events at www.messiahfestival.org to see that there are many other exciting events, many of which are free of charge.”
How can you become part of the chorus and orchestra?
“I want to stress that all are invited to sing Handel’s ‘Messiah,’” said Dr. Lucas. “Rehearsals begin Sunday, January 26 at 3 p.m. in Presser Hall. New singers should arrive at 2:00 p.m. for a brief vocal hearing. Rehearsals for “Messiah” follow each Sunday at 3 pm and rehearsals for Bach’s “Passion according to St. Matthew” take place each Tuesday evening from 7-9 pm in Presser Hall on Bethany’s campus. Those wishing to only sing ‘Messiah’ may attend Sunday only rehearsals. Those who wish to sing the Bach are required to also sing “Messiah.” I would love to see more people join us.” Those wishing to play in the orchestra for either performance are encouraged to contact Prof. Lori McKinney, mckinneylr@bethanylb.edu.
Highlights
Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Passion according to St. Matthew are two important parts of this 139th Annual Festival. But, there are many other exciting events taking place. The Bethany Theatre and Music Departments will collaborate on a performance of “Little Women: The Broadway Musical,” and the Bethany Department of Art will again host its Messiah Juried Student Art Exhibition. This year’s festival will again include a Jazz Walk in downtown Lindsborg in collaboration with the Lindsborg Landmark Concert Series. Additionally, the professional soloists hired to perform the two oratorios will present a special solo recital featuring the music of women composers. Many other events are free and open to the public.
For a full schedule of events, and for ticket information please visit www.messiahfestival.org. Tickets will be available for purchase on January 2, 2020, and all ticketing information can be found out www.messiahfestival.org. For specific questions, please contact Taylor Deutscher, Messiah Coordinator at 785-227-3380 ext. 8237 or at deutscherta@bethanylb.edu.
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
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Dr. Mark Lucas, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Bethany Oratorio Society, hopes that audiences and performers will experience and embrace the idea of community at the Festival. Events like the Soloists’ Recital, featuring the music of women composers, the Jazz Walk, and various endeavors in the visual arts and theatre, along-side the traditional Holy Week performances of Bach’s “Passion According to St. Matthew,” and Handel’s “Messiah,” are about bringing people together in new and in time-honored ways.
“I’ve often been told that our performances of Bach and Handel’s masterworks are bucket-list items, not to be missed,” said Dr. Lucas, Artistic Director of the Festival. “I hope people take the time to peruse our full schedule of events at www.messiahfestival.org to see that there are many other exciting events, many of which are free of charge.”
How can you become part of the chorus and orchestra?
“I want to stress that all are invited to sing Handel’s ‘Messiah,’” said Dr. Lucas. “Rehearsals begin Sunday, January 26 at 3 p.m. in Presser Hall. New singers should arrive at 2:00 p.m. for a brief vocal hearing. Rehearsals for “Messiah” follow each Sunday at 3 pm and rehearsals for Bach’s “Passion according to St. Matthew” take place each Tuesday evening from 7-9 pm in Presser Hall on Bethany’s campus. Those wishing to only sing ‘Messiah’ may attend Sunday only rehearsals. Those who wish to sing the Bach are required to also sing “Messiah.” I would love to see more people join us.” Those wishing to play in the orchestra for either performance are encouraged to contact Prof. Lori McKinney, mckinneylr@bethanylb.edu.
Highlights
Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Passion according to St. Matthew are two important parts of this 139th Annual Festival. But, there are many other exciting events taking place. The Bethany Theatre and Music Departments will collaborate on a performance of “Little Women: The Broadway Musical,” and the Bethany Department of Art will again host its Messiah Juried Student Art Exhibition. This year’s festival will again include a Jazz Walk in downtown Lindsborg in collaboration with the Lindsborg Landmark Concert Series. Additionally, the professional soloists hired to perform the two oratorios will present a special solo recital featuring the music of women composers. Many other events are free and open to the public.
For a full schedule of events, and for ticket information please visit www.messiahfestival.org. Tickets will be available for purchase on January 2, 2020, and all ticketing information can be found out www.messiahfestival.org. For specific questions, please contact Taylor Deutscher, Messiah Coordinator at 785-227-3380 ext. 8237 or at deutscherta@bethanylb.edu.
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
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LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — Bethany College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of Bethany College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from Bethany College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State. Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About Bethany College Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, 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.
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 31, 2025 — In its 15th annual celebration, Bethany College Admissions hosted its “Waffle Day” preview event on Saturday, March 22, coinciding with Lindsborg’s “Våffeldagen” festivities. The event invited high school students and their families to experience a “taste” of college life—while also enjoying a sweet slice of Swedish culture. Over 60 prospective students and families from four different states attended the preview day, which included a campus tour, admissions and financial aid session, a faculty-led academic presentation, and a student panel highlighting campus life. “For several years now, Våffeldagen has been a crowd favorite for both future and current students at Bethany College,” said Sabrina Wollenberg, Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. “Lindsborg is a special part of many students’ college experience—including my own. Families may visit other campuses and not feel a connection to the town, but when they come to Bethany, they fall in love with both the college and the community. For this event, we want to highlight not just the campus, but also one of the most exciting days of the year, giving prospective students a true sense of Bethany. It’s more than just residence halls and classrooms—it’s a vibrant Main Street with local shops and a welcoming community. Plus, nothing appeals more to a 17 or 18-year-old than waffles!” The History Behind Våffeldagen “Våffeldagen,” or Waffle Day, is a Swedish tradition rooted in the Feast of the Annunciation, observed on March 25. The day’s original name, “Vårfrudagen” (Our Lady’s Day), over time morphed into “Våffeldagen,” which sounded similar in Swedish. The accidental shift became a beloved tradition of celebrating spring with waffles and gathering with friends. Lindsborg’s Våffeldagen has grown into a regional favorite, drawing visitors from near and far.This year’s planners for the downtown Våffeldagen event were Tara Killingsworth (The Ivory Thimble), Rachael Breen (Hairymolairys), and Samuel Finch (Blacksmith Coffeeshop and Roastery). The town-wide celebration features waffle-inspired treats and family-friendly activities all across Main Street. Bethany College invites students and families to return for three more hallmark events that showcase the college and community’s shared spirit: Messiah Festival of the Arts, April 11 & 13, 2025 Chalk the Välk, April 12, 2025 Svensk Hyllningsfest, October 17–18, 2025 These events highlight the strong ties between the college and the city, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the unique energy of Lindsborg and its beloved traditions. For more information on upcoming events or to schedule a campus visit, please visit bethanylb.edu/visit-campus To explore more about Lindsborg and its beloved traditions, visit visitlindsborg.com . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, 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.
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, 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.