Choirs perform trifecta, intricate rhythmic pieces

The Union Colony Civic Center has a long-standing tradition of brightening an evening with the joy of music, and Monday night was no exception. UNC’s School of Music choirs performed to the general delight of the audience. The auditorium seemed to have been brought to life by the jubilant sounds of the chorus, which created a cheery atmosphere on that stale, frigid night.

The show opened up with  members of Women’s Glee Club, who festooned their black attire with cheerfully colored winter scarves. Their song selection, a tribute to female composers, amounted to five songs of beauteous wonder. Their voices synchronized perfectly, lilting and leaning through the many notes to absolute auditory perfection.

“I couldn’t believe how beautiful each and every piece was,” said Maria Cantrall, a junior biology major. “I expected it to be pretty good, honestly, but I was blown away. I don’t really think of going to a choir concert, but it’s a really relaxing way to spend an evening.”

After Women’s Glee Club, the curtains closed and opened again to revealed the university’s Concert Choir, which seemed to, again, surpass expectations of musical excellence. Before beginning what would be one of the concert’s highlights, “Jubilate Deo” by composer Benjamin Britten, conductor Galen Darrough offered a few opening comments before the song.

“I am particularly fond of this next piece, because I sung it in college, back in 1977,” Darrough said. “The composer finds some very wonderful, very extensive ways to create a tapestry of song.”

Not to be outdone, Men’s Glee Club members completed the chorale trifecta with their resplendent seven songs, especially “All Through the Night,” featuring clarinet player Kristin Beasley, a senior music education major. The audience was delighted by Beasley’s memorable ability to entertainment.

“I don’t think anybody could look at that performance and say, ‘Oh, you could have done better with this or that,’” said Art Bangle, a freshman sociology major. “It was truly a pleasure for the ears. I can’t wait to see what comes next.”