Becca Paez
The Paw Print
On Friday, Feb. 17, the Adams State Concert and Chamber Choirs, delivered a spectacular performance at the Sacred Heart Church.
The first choir to perform was Concert Choir. They opened up with a traditional South African folk song, Tshotsholoza (Shoh-shoh-loh-zah). Tshotsholoza is a song of freedom and was often sung by the ancient miners who toiled in the South African diamond and gold mines. The choir, marched in the aisle while singing Tshotsholoza and then took their places on the altar. Overall it was an amazing piece. Concert choir delivered it with much enthusiasm. Tshotsholoza translates to Go forward, go forward on those mountains; the train is coming from South Africa. You are running away on those mountains; the train is coming from South Africa.
Perhaps the most beautiful piece Concert Choir performed was The Ground from the Sunrise Mass by Ola Gjeilo. This beautiful piece translates to Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace. The choir harmonized beautifully together and the dynamics were amazing.
The next choir to perform was the Adams State Chamber Choir. Their crowd favorite had to have been Second Madrigal from The Unicorn, The Gorgon and The Manticore by Gian Carlo Menotti. The beat was upbeat and the lyrics were enticing, plus the choir looked like they were having fun with it.
Their closing piece, Witness, a traditional spiritual arranged by Jack Halloran, was delivered with passion and enthusiasm. It was clear to see the choir enjoyed this piece. It was exciting to see a mixed choir perform it. The balance and harmonization were spectacular.
After the Adams State choirs, the Honor Choir students joined the choir up at the altar. Their song, O filii et fillae, by Volckmar Leisring and arranged by Norman Greyson. O filii et fillae translates to O sons and daughters, the King of heaven and glory has risen from death today, alleluia! The balance and the timing between the Women’s Choir and the Mixed Choir were spectacular. The high school choir directors have every reason to be proud of their students. The high schoolers blended well with the Adams State choirs.
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