The annual performance of Handel’s Messiah is one of Hood’s most beloved traditions, both inside and outside of the campus, and will be in its 70th year in the fall of 2017. It marks the beginning of the holiday season, ushering in the warmth of good cheer when the weather outside turned cold. Although now held before Thanksgiving, the concert was traditionally performed in the beginning of December as the opening event for “Little Christmas”, an extended two week celebration of the Christmas season.
For many years, the Hood College and United States Naval Academy choirs performed together. It began with a rehearsal at Hood College one weekend, which was open to the campus and community, and a formal concert at the Naval Academy the following weekend. While the midshipmen were on campus, Hood entertained them with mixers and a formal dinner and dance. The Hood singers received the same hospitality when staying in Annapolis the next weekend.
Not until 2008 did the two choirs part ways. The story has it that a new Commandant came in to the Academy and decided not to spend resources on the concert. A brief reunion occurred in 2012, but since then Hood has partnered with other choirs including the Choral Arts Society of Frederick and Goucher College.
Altogether the Messiah weekends not only brought in the holiday season, but they were noted as one of the biggest yearly social events for Hood students. Many many alumni look back upon them with special fondness.
