The Alva community is set to enjoy a festive musical treat this holiday season, as the Enid Symphony Orchestra announced plans to perform Handel's Messiah in Alva on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Victoria Calderon, the executive director of the orchestra, presented the initiative during the Alva Tourism Committee meeting on September 17, 2025, highlighting the concert as a free event aimed at celebrating the spirit of Christmas and fostering community connections.
The performance will take place at the First United Methodist Church, a venue chosen for its central location and excellent acoustics. Calderon emphasized the importance of accessibility, noting that families often face financial barriers when attending such events. By offering the concert at no cost, the orchestra hopes to encourage attendance from a wide audience, including residents from surrounding communities.
To support this initiative, Calderon requested a grant of $2,000 from the committee, which would help underwrite the costs of the concert. The orchestra has already secured $1,000 from an anonymous donor and has additional pledges, demonstrating strong community backing for the event. The Alva Tax Tourism will be recognized as a sponsor in promotional materials, further enhancing local visibility.
The concert is not only a cultural offering but also a chance to showcase local talent, with several performers and guest artists hailing from Alva and the Northwestern faculty. This collaboration aims to strengthen community ties and celebrate the artistic contributions of local residents.
In addition to the concert announcement, the meeting touched on other community developments, including the appointment of Joe Randalls to the board and updates on ongoing infrastructure projects. The committee expressed optimism about the upcoming concert, with members recalling the success of a similar event held two years prior, despite challenging weather conditions.
As the community prepares for this festive occasion, the Alva Tourism Committee is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance local culture and bring residents together, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences in building a vibrant community.