Arts Off 75 with Rodney Veal – April Edition

As a native Daytonian, born and raised, I am fascinated and curious about how people find their way to our community and choose to plant roots here. Dayton is the sixth largest city in the seventh most populous state in the union — not exactly the most obvious or logical landing point for someone like Dr. David Crean, a Doctor of Music from Juilliard with a deep love for the pipe organ and a profound commitment to classical music. And yet, here he is — not just passing through, but making an indelible mark on our cultural landscape.

Recently, I had the good fortune to sit down with Dr. Crean for an upcoming episode of Rodney Veal’s Inspired By. Dr. Crean arrived in the Miami Valley through a job opportunity at Wittenberg University, and has since become a cornerstone of our classical music community as both the on-air host of WDPR’s Discover Classical and the artistic director of the Bach Society of Dayton. Our conversation was a refreshing exploration of the true value of music — not as a footnote in reports on improved test scores or cognitive benefits, but as a force of change and connection in its own right. We discussed how he selects repertoire for the Bach Society, and I shared how my own artistic journey into dance has always been intertwined with music — including a surprising shared appreciation for the composer David Diamond.

By the way, you can learn more about our podcast, Rodney Veal’s Inspired By, and stay tuned for more information about the upcoming episode with Dr. Crean our website: https://thinktv.org/theartshow/rodney-veals-inspired-by/.

During our talk, Dr. Crean mentioned that the Bach Society would be performing Handel’s Messiah on Palm Sunday, April 13, at the Arbogast Performing Arts Center in Troy, Ohio. The Bach Society specializes in works that demand both a robust choral presence and a commanding orchestral foundation, making Messiah a perfect fit. Performing such a monumental piece in a vibrant, state-of-the-art venue reinforces that the Miami Valley is alive with centers of arts and culture that we can all experience and celebrate.

Handel’s Messiah stands as one of the most monumental and enduring works in the classical canon, a piece that transcends time and tradition with its emotional depth and masterful composition. Premiering in 1742, this sacred oratorio by George Handel is a tour de force of choral and orchestral writing, structured in three sweeping parts that trace the prophecy, birth, crucifixion and ultimate triumph of Christ. The “Hallelujah” chorus is a soaring, spine-tingling moment when voices and instruments unite in jubilant praise, and it has become one of the most instantly recognizable pieces of music in Western history.

Beyond its sheer musical brilliance, Messiah holds a deeper resonance. It’s not just a seasonal tradition or a highbrow cultural artifact. It’s a work that brings people together, across centuries, in shared awe and reflection. Its combination of intricate choral textures, expressive arias and powerful orchestration reflects Handel’s profound understanding of the human spirit — joy, sorrow, redemption — all wrapped into a single, transcendent musical experience. The Messiah continues to inspire and uplift, reminding us of the power of music to unite and transform.

Learn more about the Bach Society of Dayton’s presentation of Handel’s Messiah and check out other local shows and exhibits in the southwest Ohio region this month in the list below:

Rodney Veal
CET and Think^TV Producer and Community Arts Liaison