Whetten still singing half a century later

By Keri Lunt
Staff Writer
Published on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 9:19 AM MST

Though she was just a child the first time she heard it, Eunice Whetten was so touched by the powerful music of Handel’s “Messiah” that 72 years later she is still singing in the Gila Valley performance.

Whetten said the first time she attended the performance, “it just got me.”

During high school she was invited to join the “Messiah” choir and has sung in it off and on since 1939.

Eunice Whetten

“I just loved it then, and I still do,” Whetten said.

She remembers five choir directors, Evan A. Madson, Lou J. Lewis, Dr. Perdy, Dr. David Lunt and Dr. Bruce Bishop, but said there were probably more that she has forgotten.

Whetten sings alto, but she played the cello in the orchestra one year, tried soprano another year and sang tenor when “the boys were in the service.” She drew the line at bass.

Teary-eyed, Whetten remembered singing in a particular performance of the “Messiah” a few years ago under the direction of Dr. Lunt.

“We could hear the angels singing with us. It’s just that kind of music,” Whetten said.

She said the lyrics repeat themselves a lot, but it is because the message of the “Messiah” is the message of the Savior.

Eastern Arizona College’s A Cappella Choir and community vocalists began rehearsing for the performance early in November.

Whetten said Dr. Bishop told the choir that the “Messiah” is a pageant put to music. She said the performance focuses on the life of Jesus and is “the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard.”

Two of Whetten’s sons and one of her grandsons will also participate in the “Messiah.” Dr. Bishop said Whetten is “just a grand lady.”

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