Sade Palmer
Staff Writer
Delighted is one word that could be used to describe the crowd at Saturday night’s successful “The Feminine Voice” concert. The purpose focus on highlighting some of the most notable female composers, and with the combination of University Choir, Chorale and Cantilena Women’s Choir the delivery was outstanding.
The concert began with the popular hymn tunes “How Can I Keep from Singing?” Which featured a stunning solo from choir member Olivia Ober. Cantilena, the Women’s Choir of Millersville University, presented Eleanor Daley’s “A Hymn for St. Cecilia”, which is a distinguished anthem to the patroness of musicians. Next the ensemble performed selections from Gwyneth Walker’s The Spirit of Women.
“Walk That Valley” which is based on Lonesome Valley and focused on the individual faced with times of difficulty alone. Although faced with adversity, one often finds the strength and faith for moving forward through life. “Never Sit Down!” which celebrates the energy of women experiencing the freedom of equality.
Conductor, Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell says, “This one is full of attitude! We practice with attitude!” as the choir prepared to deliver the tune outstandingly.
Millersville University’s Men’s Glee Club also gave an amazing performance of a couple of songs. With conductor, Dr. Allen “Kit” Howell, the men effortlessly sing “Royals” by Lorde followed by an amazing mash-up of Adele’s Rumor Has It and Someone Like You. Definitely a crowd pleaser, the guys gave some commentary with the selected songs they performed. Jokingly stating “We know everyone thinks of Glee when they hear ‘glee club’ and that their favorite character is Blaine” in reference to the hit TV show “Glee”.
They’re always fun to watch, as they entertain and please the crowd with their performances. They also performed Mariah Carey’s “Hero” with Adam Rineer on the piano. Once performed at Launching the Dream: A Benefit for Breast Cancer Awareness in back in October, the men’s glee club did not disappoint as they sang this song which describes individual power that lies inside every person, their ability to be their own hero.
The concert continues with the MU Chorale, the Music Department’s choral ensemble, opening with selections of Chinese Folksongs that were composed by the first woman in China to receive a Master of Arts degree in Composition, Chen Yi. “Fengyang Song” and “Diu, Diu Deng” sung in Chinese from A Set of Chinese Folksongs fascinates you. Featuring a 17th century poem and Shakespearean ditty provide an attracting blend of old and new.
Next, University Choir, which is MU’s largest choir with over 80 members this semester, continues the Shakespearean theme, presenting Emma Lou Diemer’s “Three Madrigals” from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night along with pieces from Measure for Measure, and Much Ado About Nothing.
Next, the University Choir impressively presented pieces from German composer Fanny Hensel and French composer Lilli Boulanger. Performed in German, “Abendlich schon rauscht der Wald” meaning “At Evening the Forest Already Murmurs.” The choir delivered a captivating performance of this piece from Gartenlieder, Op.3, No.5. “Hymne au Soleil” (Hymn to the Sun), performed in French vividly finishes this set.
Choral Union closes the concert with two startling performances. One comes from Alice Parker’s “Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal” a widely popular hymn tunes. This performance features a solo from Michelle Martin. Next and last comes from the energetic folksong “Goin’ to Boston” also composed from Parker. With the perfect way to close the show, this performance displayed a daring and enthusiastic style.