By Kenzie Smith, Arts & Entertainment Editor
On Saturday, the Sunderman Conservatory of Music hosted the choir concert “Uniting Voices” in Paul Recital Hall at 8 p.m. This concert consisted of performances by Gettysburg College Choir and Camerata.
Conducted by Associate Professor Susan Hochmiller, Camerata, an eight-person choir group, began the performance with Vittoria Aleotti’s “Hor che la vaga Aurora.” This piece was one of the four Italian pieces performed a cappella by the group. A member of Camerata introduced each piece beforehand, providing the audience with the English translation of the song.
The other three songs performed in this section of the concert included Carlo Gesualdo’s “Occhi del mio cor vita,” Claudio Monteverdi’s “Si ch’io vorrei morire” and William Hawley’s “Vita de la mia vita.” The talent and dedication of the group was evident as their voices intertwined to fill the hall with melodious sound as they performed songs of varying emotions and speed.
The Sunderman Conservatory of Music hosted the choir concert “Uniting Voices.” This concert consisted of performances by Gettysburg College Choir and Camerata. (Photo Kenzie Smith/The Gettysburgian)
Next, Gettysburg College Choir, conducted by Visiting Assistant Professor Kyle J. Weary, took the stage. Their portion of the concert began with Jake Rnestad’s Please Stay, a song “adapted from tweets using #IKeptLiving – expressions of hope from those who battle depression and chose to live,” as detailed in the program. This song featured soloist Evan Hilborn ’25, as well as a number of members of the choir who stepped forward providing statements inspired by the #IKeptLiving tweets as the remainder of the choir softly sang the chorus of the piece behind them.
Susan Labarr’s “My Very Own” and Morten Lauridsen’s “Sure on This Shining Night” were performed next by the choir. The performance continued with the fourth movement of Carol Barnett’s “Gloria – The World Beloved.” This piece is a bluegrass mass that intertwines features of bluegrass and classical music.
Next, the choir performed Ethan Sperry’s “Hallelujah” a cappella, featuring soloists Thomas Lynch ’24, Troy Ayado ’24, Elliott Wakefield ’26, Devyn Wesolowski ’25, Sydney Topoleski ’27 and Aztlani Maguffee ’25.
The final piece of the night, J. David Moore’s “Will the Circle be Unbroken” was also performed a cappella and featured soloists Katie Poliero ‘25, Libby Drew ’24, Maren Carter ’27 and Hilborn. The choir’s hardwork and beautiful singing was rewarded with a standing ovation from the audience.
Audience member Rebecca Ruggles ’26 shared her thoughts on the performance: “My favorite song was the movement from the bluegrass mass because it’s really interesting to me called ‘Gloria,’ and I’m really excited to go to the April 13 concert and hear the rest of ‘The World Beloved.’”
“The World Beloved” was also a favorite of College Choir and Camerata member Hilborn: “It was so fun performing for this concert. My favorite song would have to be ‘Gloria’ from the bluegrass mass. I was so happy how everything came together. And it’s sad [for this concert] to be over with, but I’m looking forward to the next concert.”
College Choir member Wakefield shared his feelings on the concert: “This recent concert was the most enjoyable and gratifying of my time performing at Gettysburg College. The title ‘Uniting Voices’ is a perfect illustration of the aspirations held by the members of the College Choir. Harmony among voices and harmony throughout the collective of students on stage. I cannot give enough praise to Dr. Kyle Weary. His guidance, compassion, and energy have had a sensationally powerful impact on the College Choir.”
College Choir, Camerata and Concert Choir will be performing their spring choral concert on April 13 at 8 p.m. in the Chapel.
