Last Friday, the Lawrence University Choirs held their Winter Term concert, and it was a fantastic experience. The Viking Chorale, Concert Choir, and Cantala each delivered remarkable performances, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.
Dr. Shannon Gravelle, the Assistant Professor of Music and Choral Studies, directed the choirs. They performed songs focused on hope. For example, the Viking Chorale sang “Bamthatha,” a moving South African freedom song. The Concert Choir also premiered two new pieces by Lawrence alum Alexander Johnson, “Winds of May” and “The Bat.” It’s inspiring to see alumni contributing to the vibrant music scene at Lawrence.
The grand finale featured Cantala, under the direction of Dr. Phillip Swan. They premiered “Lessons from an Unexpected Journey,” a piece that blended choir and theater to explore personal struggles. One of the Cantala singers, junior Megan Eisenstein, shared her thoughts: “It felt very different embodying the songs as opposed to just singing them. It made the experience much more special.” She reflected on the performance’s themes, noting how resilience and joy could emerge from difficulties.
This concert wasn’t just about singing; it included theatrical elements that made it unique. Dean of the Conservatory of Music, Brian Pertl, joined the choir with a singing bowl, and there were dancers who added to the lively atmosphere during the piece “Singkap Siaga” by Tracy Wong. Eisenstein expressed how this blending of movement and music inspired her to give her best performance yet, as it required careful coordination and deep emotional connection with each song.
When asked about her favorite piece, Eisenstein mentioned “Come Alive” from ‘The Greatest Showman.’ She loved the fun energy of the song, especially when they incorporated choreography that allowed the singers to uplift one another.
Overall, the choir concert was a memorable experience. Dr. Gravelle’s focus on hope-filled songs and Dr. Swan’s personal piece resonated deeply with the audience. It was a joyful celebration of music, talent, and community.
Check out this related article: Over a Dozen Haskell University Employees Set for Rehire: What This Means for Their Future
Source link