Last night’s concert, Sacred and Profane brought together four choral ensembles. The NOVA Community Chorus, The George Mason University Chorale, The George Mason University Singers and the The Justice High School Chamber Choir! It was a phenomenal night, full of beauty and a powerhouse of sound for the second half!
The evening began with Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal, arranged by Alice Parker (b. 1925), And I Saw a New Heaven by Edgar Bainton (1880-1956) and a wonderful rendition of I Sing Because I’m Happy, arranged by Rollo Eilwork (b.1970).
The NOVA Community Chorus and The Justice High School Chamber Choir performing their fall concert Sacred and Profane at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
Our Master of Ceremonies for the night, Chad Steffey, Director of the NOVA Community Chorus, wonderfully informed the audience about the evening’s works.
Chad Steffey with The NOVA Community Chorus and The Justice High School Chamber Choir performing their fall concert Sacred and Profane at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleySacred and Profane fall choral concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
The kids did a incredible job and sounded lovely!
The NOVA Community Chorus and The Justice High School Chamber Choir performing their fall concert Sacred and Profane at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Community Chorus and The Justice High School Chamber Choir performing their fall concert Sacred and Profane at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
Dr. Stan Engebretson conducted the George Mason University Singers in, O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht by J. S. Bach.
Dr. Stan Engebretson conducted the George Mason University Singers in, O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht by J. S. Bach. performing their fall concert Sacred and Profane at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
They went through selection from Neue Liebeslieder, Op. 65 by Brahms and a lovely work showcasing, soprano soloist, Ashlyn Rock.
Bryan Stenson, associate Conductor led The George Mason University Singers in Only in Sleep by Erik Esenvalds. Sacred and Profane at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe audience enjoying the George Mason University Singers at our fall concert Sacred and Profane at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
Tenors, Lugman Fulmer and Ross Helunds soloed Ride in the Chariot, a spiritual, arranged by Brandon Waddles.
Tenors, Lugman Fulmer and Ross Helunds soloed Ride in the Chariot, a spiritual, arranged by Brandon Waddles Sacred and Profane at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyA student enjoying video taping the concert to help him get ready for his concert report due later in the semester. The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
Their performance finished with Saints Bound for Heaven, a southern harmony from 1835.
The audience our fall concert Sacred and Profane at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
The George Mason University Chorale followed with four wonderful works: The Last Works of David by Randall Thompson (1899-1984), Flight Song, by Kim Andrew Anrnesan (1980) Ukuthula, a South African Folk Song and River in Judea by John Leavitt (1956).
They were conducted by Lisa Billingham and Dannty Cabrejos, assistant conductor with Jane Moore Kaye as the collaborative pianist.
The George Mason University Chorale performing at our fall concert Sacred and Profane at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
Ukuthula naturally brought out a swinging of individuals in the audience. You just wanted to dance with them!
The George Mason University Singers at our fall concert Sacred and Profane at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe George Mason University Singers at our fall concert Sacred and Profane at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
The second half of the concert combined all four choirs:Dr. Stan Engebreston conducted, Jane Moore Kaye and Luke Ratcliffe accompanied with collaborative pianists Michael Barranco and Andrew Lewis with Colton Morris and victor Younge on Percussion.
They brilliantly performed selection from Carmina Burana!
The NOVA Community Chorus and Justice High School Chamber Choir, The George Mason University Singers and The George Mason University Chorale, combined Choirs at the Sacred and Profane concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Community Chorus and Justice High School Chamber Choir, The George Mason University Singers and The George Mason University Chorale, combined Choirs at the Sacred and Profane concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
Soprano, Bridget Nesfield and baritone Vasili Varfis sing Tempus est iocundum, a selection from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff.
The NOVA Community Chorus and Justice High School Chamber Choir, The George Mason University Singers and The George Mason University Chorale, combined Choirs at the Sacred and Profane concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Community Chorus and Justice High School Chamber Choir, The George Mason University Singers and The George Mason University Chorale, combined Choirs at the Sacred and Profane concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Community Chorus and Justice High School Chamber Choir, The George Mason University Singers and The George Mason University Chorale, combined Choirs at the Sacred and Profane concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
A resounding, standing ovation capped the an evening powerhouse of sound! What a phenomenal night!!!!
The NOVA Community Chorus and Justice High School Chamber Choir, The George Mason University Singers and The George Mason University Chorale, combined Choirs at the Sacred and Profane concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. October 16, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
Please come for our next concert! It’s next week!!!
Thursday, Oct. 25, the George Mason University Wind Symphony under the direction of Mark Camphouse and the NOVA Alexandria Band under my direction will present a FREE concert!
Come and hear favorites by Camille Saint-Saens, Percy Grainger, John Philip Sousa, Henry Fillmore, David Gillingham, Edward Gregson, Charles Carter, Rossano Galante, and new pieces by young composers Justin David Casinghino, Matthew Bandman, and Nathan Pereda. This concert will also feature Air Force Band member, Kate Fitzpatrick, as French Horn soloist!
We hope to see you there!
Blog post by Britt Conley
Since 1967, helping people of all ages grow in the joy of making music.
