Caroline Kramer ‘26
Features Staff Writer
On Friday, October 25, the College Choir and Chamber Singers took the stage of the Luth Concert Hall in the Prior Performing Arts Center to perform their annual fall concert. This performance, titled Sunshine Over the Blessed Earth, brought together a thoughtfully curated range of music that illuminated the stage with bright sounds and harmonies. The repertoire celebrated a diverse set of cultural pieces in the languages of Xhosa, Chinese, Hawaiian, and Spanish. The unique and heartfelt resonance of the performance very much embodied the essence of the program’s title, as well as the singers’ dedication to their work.
The choirs were lucky enough to be accompanied by the New Inca Son Andean folk band, who joined the singers for the Misa Criolla, composed by Ariel Ramírez. This piece combines traditional folk melodies with the five texts of the Catholic Mass. Each movement of the piece — the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei — was brought to life with unique rhythms and harmonies, beautifully blending the choir’s voices with the band’s instrumentation and vocals from Omar Clavijo.
Another standout piece was “Past Life Melodies” by Sarah Hopkins, a remarkable composition renowned for its use of overtones. The singers used a unique technique to produce higher harmonic tones from the vibrations of their voices, reminiscent of a sweet whistling sound. With the overtones shimmering above the melody, many audience members were awestruck by the experience.
College Choir singers Lila Pasquarello ‘28 and Sophia Olbrysh ‘28 remarked positively on their first choir performance here at Holy Cross. Olbrysh shared, “My favorite part of the concert was getting to fully sing the Misa with the band, and see everyone’s reactions to it! I also loved the Songs of Holy Cross.” Similarly, Pasquarello reflected, “My favorite part was when alumni joined onstage to sing Songs of Holy Cross!” Building on their last point, choir concerts traditionally conclude with a performance of the Songs of Holy Cross, featuring the Holy Cross alma mater. Embedded in this tradition is inviting alumni of the College, especially choir alumni, to join the singers onstage to sing the songs. This tradition showcases a beautiful representation of the Holy Cross community and the long-lasting camaraderie that endures even after you’ve graduated.
Michael Connelly ‘26, a devoted member of both College Choir and Chamber Singers, also reflected enthusiastically regarding the dynamic of the two ensembles in light of the concert. “I love all of the great friends I have in choir. It feels like a great community that I’m lucky to have been a part of for the past five semesters,” he says. “All of our events are super welcoming and inviting, and I always feel so much closer to the group.” These sentiments are felt unanimously among his fellow singers.
The next upcoming event for the choirs is Lessons and Carols, a beloved and highly-anticipated Holy Cross tradition. Those of all faiths are welcome to join us for the 46th annual service in St. Joseph’s Memorial Chapel on Thursday, December 5 at 8PM. This special festival will feature a stunning collection of music from the College Choir, Chamber Singers, and the Holy Cross Orchestra in a joyous celebration of holiday cheer.
Featured image courtesy of College of the Holy Cross
Copy Edited by Caroline Kramer ‘26
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