On Saturday, Jan. 30, the University Singers, Canta Bella, and the Pioneer Men’s Chorus performed in a concert at the Howard Performing Arts Center (HPAC). This concert’s theme was “Celebrating the Light.” Besides Director Stephen Zork, who conducted most of the concert, both Gabriel Palacios (junior, piano performance, mathematics) and Winner Silvestre conducted pieces. Andrews University employees, the Enjoyment of Music class, music majors, and music minors were allowed to attend in person with a limited seating capacity. Those who attended in person were required to wear masks and social distance. Others were able to watch the concert through live stream on Facebook.
Mr. Palacios commented, “It was pretty difficult to prepare the concert, given the small amount of rehearsals we had. But I was pleased with the way the concert went, and very proud of the singers. I was also very thankful for the people who filled in for the people who were in isolation.”
Canta Bella kicked off the concert, conducted by Mr. Palacios, with “Maria Walks Amid the Thorn” by David Burton. For this first song, they were accompanied by Caralynn Chan (junior, speech-language pathology) on the harp. Mr. Palacios said, “It was really fun for me to conduct the choir. It was my first time doing this, so that was probably the most memorable part of the concert for me.” Canta Bella then sang “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” by Jackson Berkey, and “Cradle Hymn,” by Kim Andre Arnesen, conducted by Mr. Silvestre.
After Canta Bella finished, the Pioneer Men’s Chorus, conducted by Mr. Zork, sang “O Lux Beatissima” by Howard Helvey. Then, they performed “See, Amid the Winter Snow,” by Dan Forrest, and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” arranged by Dan Forrest. To finish off their section of the concert, they performed the lively “Pat-a-Pan” arranged by David Conte.
Finally, the University Singers, conducted by Mr. Zork, began their section of the concert with “Gaude et Laetare” by Jon Pieterszoon Sweelinck. They also performed “Estampie Natalis,” by Vaclav Nelhybel, and “All My Heart, This Night,” by Z. Randall Stroope.
Nathan Cheng (sophomore, music), bass section leader in University Singers and Pioneer Men’s Chorus, commented, “I love all of the songs we performed, but my favorite is ‘Estampie Natalis.’ It's not often that Renaissance style music is performed and it was a lot of fun. I think it really conveys that the coming of Jesus is something to be celebrated, especially with song and dance.” He also noted, “I do miss the larger audiences, but I know that there are many that join us in spirit.”
Ms. Chan said, “I enjoyed listening to the singers and accompanists play harmonious music in-person, because COVID-19 has greatly restricted in-person music experiences. I also enjoyed supporting my fellow schoolmates as they performed what they had practiced so diligently. The lovely music blessed many of the in-person and online attendees.”
At the very end of the concert, Mr. Zork presented Mr. Silvestre, recent graduate of Andrews University, with a baton.
Overall, the concert was beautiful and enjoyed by many who listened. The video is available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AndrewsUniversityMusic. The Department of Music is planning more concerts, so keep looking for more information.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.