Be the Change: The NOVA Community Chorus

Our Combined Choirs began our evening concert with ‘Be the Change’ with Gandhi’s famed words, including, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”  This was set to the music by Marc Kaplan and Colin Britt, featuring Max Hoffman on percussion and Jane Michaels.  This was followed by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays, “If I had a Hammer.”

Be The Change featuring The NOVA Alexandria Chorus, The NOVA Annandale Chorus, The Justice High School Choirs and the Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

The Justice High School Choir, directed by Miranda Lansberry, performed Malakatumba by Josu Elberdin, Hold Me, Rock Me by Brian Tate and Wau Bulan, a Malaysian Folk song.

Be The Change featuring The NOVA Alexandria Chorus, The NOVA Annandale Chorus, The Justice High School Choirs and the Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Be The Change featuring The NOVA Alexandria Chorus, The NOVA Annandale Chorus, The Justice High School Choirs and the Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

“Wau Bulan” Malaysian Folk Song arranged by Tracy Wong.  The Lyrics, Ewah buleh teraju tigo mean “Wow!  The three-cornered moon.”

Be The Change featuring The NOVA Alexandria Chorus, The NOVA Annandale Chorus, The Justice High School Choirs and the Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

The Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir, directed by Mary-Hannah Klontz performed Harry Belafonte’s, “Turn the World Around,” followed by Sherrie Blevins’ “You Hold the Key” and Carly Simon’s “Let the River Run.”

The Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir. Be The Change concert featuring The NOVA Alexandria Chorus, The NOVA Annandale Chorus, The Justice High School Choirs and the Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

The Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir performed Turn the World Around, You Hold the Key and Let the River Run.  Thanks to Dean Kauffman for capturing their lovely performance.

• The NOVA Annandale Chorus Performed “More Love,” featuring Aj Foley, Johnny Lazo, Huy Anh Le, Cecilia Brakefield, Alondra Gutierrez-Rivera & Preet Singh.

The Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir. Be The Change concert featuring The NOVA Alexandria Chorus, The NOVA Annandale Chorus, The Justice High School Choirs and the Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

• The NOVA Tenor & Bass Ensemble performing Omnia Vincit Amor by John Michael Trotta. “Love conquers all.  Therefore let us surrender to love”

The NOVA Alexandria Community Chorus singing Michael Bussewitz-Quarm’s “I am the Voice that Sings.”

  • This was followed by the NOVA Soprano and Alto Ensemble singing Weir Eilen Mit Schwachen from Cantata 78 by J.S. Bach.
  • The finale of the evening featured a powerhouse performance by Shawn Kirchner, singing “I’ll Be On My Way”

• Special thanks to Dean Kauffman for coming and video tapping the evening!

Join us next time at The Holiday Concert featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and The NOVA Alexandria Band!

 

From the entire NOVA Alexandria Music Department, Thankyou for ALL your support!  Hope to see you soon!