On Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m., the Chamber Singers, Concert Choir and College-Community Chorale performed at the Studley Theatre.
The evening consisted mostly of choral settings of Shakespearean texts with some new pieces such as “Merry Notes,” by SUNY New Paltz alumni Shirley Hoffman Warren.
Prior to the concert, Director Edward Lundergan said, “I think that it will be nice to hear the new pieces especially, “Merry Notes.”
According to Lundergan, he tries to incorporate new pieces into the concerts every year.
“It should be good, we are pretty well prepared for it,” Lundergan said.
The performance began with the Chamber Singers followed by the Concert Choir. After intermission the College-Community Chorale closed the show.
These groups put on a similar concert every semester, sometimes twice.
The College-Community Chorale is open to all students, faculty and community members on a non-audition basis, while the Chamber Singers and Concert Choir are for students of all majors by audition. This is the College-Community Chorale’s only concert of the semester and the Chamber Singers and Concert Choir’s first concert since October.
Nick Dagher, an undeclared first-year, attended the event for his world of music class. Dagher said it was his first concert put on by the Department of Music.
According to Dagher, he was pleasantly surprised by how much he enjoyed the performances.
“I liked the first group the most. Their voices blended really well,” Dagher said.
Glenn Knickerbocker, 51, has done occasional concerts with the College-Community Chorale for 15 years. He said that he usually performs with them for special occasions.
Knickerbocker’s favorite piece of the evening was “Full Fathom Five” by Charles Wood, performed by the Chamber Singers.
“It was just right because the piece had a nice fullness to it,” Knickerbocker.
Dana McClain, second-year double major in biology and adolescent education, is a member of the Concert Choir. This was her first semester with the group and she plans on returning.
“It’s awesome, I’m going back next semester, “ McClain said.
McClain has been singing professionally since high school and she decided to join the Concert Choir because she thought it would be nice to have a relaxing class in her schedule.
According to McClain, she heard great things about Lundergan and his music choices.
McClain’s favorite piece of the evening was also “Full Fathom Five” because she liked the connection and contrast between the Chamber Singers’ version and the Concert Choir’s.
“Their version is kind of a Christmas carol, while our version is focused on sadness,” McClain said.
She said she was happy with how the concert went. “I think it was excellent and that we all had a really great time.”