The NOVA Community Chorus Director, Dr. Mary-Hannah Klontz conducting the 2024 Spring Choral Concert.
Director Mary-Hannah Klontz conducting the combine choirs at the March 1st, 2024 Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
The Combined Choirs not only filled the stage, they beautifully voiced into the hall for a memorable choral night.
Mary-Hannah Klontz with the combined choirs at the March 1st, 2024 Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.The combined choirs at the March 1st, 2024 Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
The first work of the evening was Sing My Child by Sarah Quartel (b. 1982).
The combined choirs at the March 1st, 2024 Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.The combined choirs at the March 1st, 2024 Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.combined choirs at the March 1st, 2024 Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Featuring : Emma Aldean, Kirsten Best, Christina Muddiman, Mara Sanders, Dianasti Watson, & Te-Loriah Whitfield, soprano soli, Tony Lazo, Logan McRoy, Samantha Posednik, Malachi Watkins, & Anthony Weaver, tenor soli
Featured singers for the song “Sing my Child” by Sarah Quartel. The names are in alphabetical order not order of appearance. Emma Aldean, Kirsten Best, Christina Muddiman, Mara Sanders, Dianasti Watson, & Te-Loriah Whitfield, soprano soli Tony Lazo, Logan McRoy, Samantha Posednik, Malachi Watkins, & Anthony Weaver, tenor soli. The performance of the combined choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs, took place at the Rachel M. Schlesinger and Concert Hall on March 1, 2024. Photo by Britt Conley.
and Jeff Loewer, percussion
Percussionist, Jeff Loewer, performing “Sing My Child” with the combined choirs, ( The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs), at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on March 1, 2024.
For the next work, “Mass Number 2 in G, D 167 by Franz Schubert (1737-1828), we brought out members of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra.
Mary-Hannah Klontz conducting members of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra Ensemble performing with The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on March 1, 2024. Britt Conley
Violin I- Patrick Geddes, Paula Davidson and Josephine Llorente
Violinists, Patrick Geddes, Paula Davidson and Josephine Llorente, members of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra performing with The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on March 1, 2024. Photo by Britt Conley
Second Violinists include – Adriana Gonzales ,Jackie Kim,
Katey Runge and Carol Stone, and Violaists are Krystal Landy and Kasey Ulery.
Members of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra performing with The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on March 1, 2024. Photo by Britt Conley
Cello- Tiago Silva and Daniel Schlichtig
Director Mary-Hannah Klontz conducting the combine choirs at the March 1st, 2024 Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Bassist, Shelby Doerr performing with the combined choirs.
Bassist Shelby Doerr performing with the combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs, at the March 1st, 2024 Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Kyrie — Chorus and Emma Artinian, soprano
Soprano Emma Artinian, performing with the combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs and members of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Sopranos, Elizabeth Todd and Margena Garrett performed the Gloria Chorus.
Soprano Elizabeth Todd and Margena Garrett performing with the combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs and members of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Along with baritones, Tom Muner and Eric Ackerman.
Baritones, Tom Muner and Eric Ackerman, performing with the combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs and members of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Credo — Chorus
The combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs performing on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.The combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs performing on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center.The combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs performing on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt ConleyThe combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs performing on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Sanctus — Chorus
The combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs performing on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring Concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
For the Benedictus Trio, soprano Alexandra Richardson,
tenor Vincent Sanfilippo, and baritone Kris Kouzougian entranced us all.
Soprano Alexandra Richardson,; tenor, Vincent Sanfilippo and baritone; Kris Kouzougian, performing with the combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs and members of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring Concert.Mary-Hannah Klontz conducting soprano Alexandra Richardson,; tenor, Vincent Sanfilippo and baritone; Kris Kouzougian, performing with the combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs and members of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring Concert. Photo by Britt ConleyBaritone; Kris Kouzougian, performing with the combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs and members of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring concert. Photo by Britt Conley.Soprano Alexandra Richardson,; tenor, Vincent Sanfilippo performing with the combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs and members of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring concert. Photo by Britt Conley.
Agnus Dei — Chorus, was beautifully sung by Alexandria Wood and
Soprano Alexandria Wood performing with the combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs and members of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
and baritone, Daniel Isaac. Both were stunning performances.
Baritone Daniel Isaac, performing with the combine choirs of The NOVA Community Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus & Brentsville District High School Choirs and members of the NOVA Symphony Orchestra on the March 1st, 2024 at the Chorus Spring concert. Photo by Britt Conley
After a brief Intermission it was onto the Brentsville District High School Chorus directed by Anna Balchunas and accompanied by Rachel Bradley, Collaborative Pianist
(L-R) Collaborative Pianist Rachel Bradley and Director Anna Balchunas with Brentsville District High School Choir performing at the Chorus Spring concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the March 1st, 2024. Photo by Britt Conley
Vocal Ensemble
Goodnight Dear Heart …………………………………………………………. Dan Forrest (b. 1978)
Gloria in Excelsis Deo …………………………………………………………. Jay Althouse (b. 1951) Festival Choir
Phoenix Song………………………………………………………………….David L. Brunner (b. 1953)
(L-R) Members of the Brentsville District High School Choir Collaborative Pianist Rachel Bradley and Director Anna Balchunas with performing at the Chorus Spring concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the March 1st, 2024. Photo by Britt Conley
(L-R) Members of the Brentsville District High School Choir Collaborative Pianist Rachel Bradley and Director Anna Balchunas with performing at the Chorus Spring concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the March 1st, 2024.
The Arlington Community Chorus
Cynthia Young, Director
Diane Carsten-Pelak, Collaborative Pianist
The Arlington Community Chorus directed by Cynthia Young, accompanied by collaborative pianist Diane Carsten-Pelak, performing at the Chorus Spring concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the March 1st, 2024. Photo by Britt Conley
Kawouno Wan Gi Pi …………………………………………… Vivian Aluoch & Vivian Anyango arr. Brian Tate (b. 1954)
Jeff Loewer, percussion
Easy on the Earth ……………… Luke Wallace, arr. Shawn Kirchner & Luke Wallace
Hold Fast to Dreams……………………………………………………….Text by Langston Hughes Music by Susan LaBarr (b. 1981)
The NOVA Community Chorus Vocal Jazz Group
(L-R) Tatiana Loisha, collaborative pianist for the NOVA Community Chorus and Shelby Doerr, bassist for the NOVA Symphony Orchestra perform with The NOVA Community Chorus Vocal Jazz Group.
Tatiana Loisha, piano and Shelby Doerr, bass performing with The NOVA Community Chorus Vocal Jazz Group at the Chorus Spring concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the March 1st, 2024.The NOVA Community Chorus Vocal Jazz Group performing at the Chorus Spring concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the March 1st, 2024. Photo by Britt Conley.
I Love Paris…………………………………………………………………………Cole Porter (1891-1964) As performed by the Tatiana Eva-Marie and the Avalon Jazz Band
Halina Banas-Jones, accordion; Tatiana Loisha, piano; Jane Michaels, guitar; Paul Klontz, trumpet; Shelby Doerr, bass
(L-R) Paul Klontz, trumpet; Shelby Doerr, bass; Jane Michaels, guitar; Tatiana Loisha, piano; Halina Banas-Jones, accordion performing with the NOVA Community Chorus Vocal Jazz Group performing at the Chorus Spring concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the March 1st, 2024. Photo by Britt Conley.Paul Klontz on trumpet performing with the NOVA Community Chorus Vocal Jazz Group performing at the Chorus Spring concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the March 1st, 2024. Photo by Britt Conley.
Carol Pelenberg, Lili Harrison, & Emma Artinian, vocal soloists
Carol Pelenberg, Lili Harrison, & Emma Artinian, vocal soloists performing with the NOVA Community Chorus Vocal Jazz Group performing at the Chorus Spring concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the March 1st, 2024. Photo by Britt Conley
It was an inspirational evening! Please consider coming to one of our upcoming concerts as well!
NOVA Jazz Ensemble Concert
April 30, 2024 | 7:30pm | Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall Directed by Shannon Gunn, the NOVA Nighthawks, NOVA Jazz Combos, and special guests will perform in celebration of International Jazz Day.
NOVA Symphony Orchestra Concert
May 4, 2024 | 8pm | Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall
Directed by Christopher Johnston
This event is ticketed but free for NOVA students with ID.
Tuesday April 18, 2023 at 8:00pm, featuring: The NOVA Community Chorus, Special Guests from the US Army Chorus, The Arlington Community Chorus and Instrumentalists from the NOVA Alexandria Band.
A beautiful start to an incredible evening! The Combined Choirs & Instrumentalists performing The Battle Hymn of the Republic under the direction of Director Captain Bonnie Alger.
Director Captain Bonnie Alger conducts The Battle Hymn of the Republic at the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus.
Director Captain Bonnie Alger conducts The Battle Hymn of the Republic at the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.
The NOVA Community Choir & the U.S. Army Chorus performing music faculty, Jonathan Kolm’s world premiere of Peace Restored conducted by our NOVA Community Choir director, Dr. Mary-Hannah Klontz.
Dr. Mary Hannah Klontz conducts The NOVA Community Chorus, the U.S. Army Chorus at the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.
Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughan Williams featuring soloists from the Army Chorus and Blaise Catala, Abass Conteh, Kenneth Marr, & Chad Steffey, percussion.
Soprano, SSG Jocelyn Pride and baritone SSG Paul Grosvenor from the Army Chorus, performing at the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.Soloists from the Army Chorus singing Dona Nobis Pacem with The NOVA Community Chorus, conducted by Dr. Mary-Hannah Klontz, at the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.
Director Cynthia Young conducts The Arlington Community Chorus performing an American Folk Hymn, “How Can I Keep from Singing?” The song was originally composed by American Baptist minister Robert Lowry.
Director Cynthia Young conducting the Arlington Community Chorus at the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo By Britt Conley.Director Cynthia Young conducting the Arlington Community Chorus at the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.Director Cynthia Young conducting the Arlington Community Chorus at the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.
The U.S. Army Chorus is under the direction of Captain Bonnie Alger, the first female director in the ensemble’s history! The first song of their inspiring set was Jocelyn Hagen’s, “Someplace.”
Director Captain Bonnie Alger conducts the U.S. Army Chorus at the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.
The U.S. Army Chorus next performing “Soldier,” by Timothy C. Takach. “The U.S. Army Field Band commissioned Takach to write this piece for the Soldiers’ Chorus in 2020.
Director Captain Bonnie Alger conducts the U.S. Army Chorus at the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.
Stephen Paulus’ “Hymn for America” was beautifully sung! The level of vocal expertise is extraordinary. It is, one of over 400 choral works written by Stephen Paulus.
Director Captain Bonnie Alger conducts the U.S. Army Chorus at the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.
Their final song was Free at Last (from Big River) by Roger Miller. Big River is a setting of Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
Director Captain Bonnie Alger conducts the U.S. Army Chorus at the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Image by Dan Kauffman.
It’s always an honor to be able to hear The U.S. Army Chorus.
Director Captain Bonnie Alger conducts the U.S. Army Chorus at the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.
The final segment of our concert included the Combined Choirs beginning with “Hope Lingers On” by Lissa Schneckenburger and featuring step dancer, Keyshawn Pierce, with Mary-Hannah Klontz & Tatiana Loisha on percussion and conducted by Director Cynthia Young.
Keyshawn Pierre performs with the combined choirs on April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.
This work was made far more meaningful by the tremendously talented dancer, Keyshawn Pierre. He managed to encapsulate so much in his brilliant dance and we were riveted and grateful to be there to see it and feel it.
Keyshawn Pierre performs with the combined choirs on April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.
Mary-Hannah explains, “Andrea Ramsey arranged the work for voiced, percussion and optional body percussion. Body percussion refers to making rhythmic sounds such as clapping, patting, stomping and snapping. Step dancing has its roots in the South African “gumboot” dances performed by gold miners wearing boots. The dancing sent codified messages to coworkers because speaking was forbidden. Step dancing has evolved into a new art popular on high school and college campuses.”
Keyshawn Pierre performs with the combined choirs on April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.Keyshawn Pierre performs with the combined choirs on April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.
For the final work of the evening, the combined choirs performing Shalom, written by Dan Forrest and featured Hannah Leong on violin. Mary-Hannah, explains, ” Shallom,” directly translates to, “Peace, hello and goodbye in Hebrew, but there conveys an even broader sense of well-being.” Her hope was to have everyone leave with a sense of, “renewed … hope and peace.” The concert was a stunning success all around and we all fet far better.
The combined choirs on stage under the direction of Mary-Hannah Klontz and featuring violinist Hannah Leong during the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.The combined choirs on stage under the direction of Mary-Hannah Klontz and featuring violinist Hannah Leong during the April 18th, 2023 Reconciliation : Grant Us Peace concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern, Virginia Community College. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The United States Army Chorus, and The Arlington Community Chorus. Photo by Britt Conley.
An incredible evening of music that inspired us all! I can’t wait to see what Mary-Hannah programs for this coming fall semester! Oh wait! I just heard! Next Fall’s concert will be, “Seasons of Love and Life-love songs and more” on Oct. 17 at 7:30. Our guests will be choirs from Justice High School and Glasgow Middle School.”
In the meantime, please join us for our next concerts! Here at NOVA, we have programing from not only our choirs, but The NOVA Alexandria Community Band, The NOVA Symphony Orchestra and The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble.
• April 27 (8pm concert): The NOVA Symphony Orchestra at the Schlesinger Concert Hall in Alexandria!
PROGRAM:
Aaron Copland. Fanfare for the Common Man. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17.
• May 5 (8pm concert): NOVA Music Dept. Spring Concert with the choir, jazz, and concert band ensembles.
And this summer in the Northern Virginia Community College Fine Arts Building, room 118 we will have The NOVA Symphony Orchestra!Hope to See You There!
The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble, and The NOVA Alexandria Band!
The NOVA Community Chorus during, ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
What better way to enjoy the holidays than with ‘Joy to the World,’ featuring Paul Klontz on Trumpet! Although the renowned work was originally written in 1719 by English Composer Isaac Watts, we most often are enjoying the American arrangement by Lowell Mason.
Trumpeter Paul Klontz performing Joy to the World with The NOVA Community Chorus during, ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
The spirit of peace was elaborated through ‘Carol of the Bells’, a Ukrainian Folk Song written in 1914 by Mykola Leontovych.
The NOVA Community Chorus Performing ‘Carol of the Bells’ during ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
The work is about generosity and proclaiming a bountiful new year for all. It was later arranged in 1922, by American Composer, Wilhousky for a performance by the Ukranian National Chorus at Carnegie Hall.
Tatiana Loisha performing with The NOVA Community Choir at The Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
A rhythmic rendition of Winter Wonderland featured our own Philip Tinnin on drum set. The famed song was originally inspired by the sight of fresh fallen snow in Honesdale Pennsylvania.
Philip Tinnin performing Winter Wonderland with the NOVA Community Chorus as part of the NOVA Holiday concert ODE To JOY on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Community Chorus during, ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Alondra Gutierrez-Rivera, A.J. Foley. and Emma Brush had just as much fun singing Winter Wonderland during the rehearsal before the hall opened!
Alondra Gutierrez-Rivera. A.J. Foley. Emma Brush singing Winter Wonderland during the rehearsal for the NOVA Holiday concert ODE To JOY on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
The warmth of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’
The NOVA Community Chorus during, ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
This was soon followed by rousing rendition of Hine Ma Tov featuring Tom Munger on tambourine and dancers:
The NOVA Community Chorus during, ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Alondra Gutierrez Rivera, Lillian Jeng, Marissa Mulero, Preet Singh, Cecilia Brakffield, Jackie Cohan, Roberta Comer, Bailey Lee, Na Lin, Daniela Santos, Carol Uri, Ana Vaquerano, Huy Anh Le, Isaiah Dillard-Scott, Johnny Lazo, Carment Mendoz, Aj Foley, and Daniel Hall.
The Chorus inspired us all with Three Carols: Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls and We Wish You a Merry Christmas before ending with Beethoven’s An die Freude (Ode to Joy), from his Symphony No. 9!
Ally Richardson and Mary Yee singing Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.
Ally Richardson and Mary Yee perform Ode To Joy with The NOVA Community Chorus during ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Our next ensemble, under the direction of Shannon Gunn, brought us a set of great holiday numbers Jazz Style! The NOVA Nighthawks began their set with Let it Snow!, Let it Snow!, Let Snow!
The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Adonnis Colindres-Rosado Performing, ‘When your Smiling’ by Shay and Fisher.
Adonnis Colindres-Rosado Performing, ‘When your Smiling’ with The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
The group followed with Frank Foster’s Shiney Stockings and Thad Jones ‘A Child is Born.’
The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt ConleyBefore we knew it we were being serenaded by Bob Coyne and Regina Begliutti with, ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ by by Frank Loesser.
The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Hat’s off to The NOVA Nighthawkes!
After a short intermission it was time for the NOVA Alexandria Band directed by Dr. Lisa Eckstein! The first piece was Overture to a Winter Celebration by James Stephenson.
Lisa Eckstein directs the NOVA Alexandria Band performance of Overture to a Winter Celebration at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt ConleyLisa Eckstein directs the NOVA Alexandria Band performance of Overture to a Winter Celebration at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt ConleyNOVA Alexandria Band performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Carol of the Drum by Katherine Davis sent us on an unexpected and familiar journey.
NOVA Alexandria Band performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt ConleyFormer Director of the NOVA Alexandria Band performing, Carol of the Drum with the band at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
A Rollicking Hanukkah
NOVA Alexandria Band performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt ConleyNOVA Alexandria Band performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Heather Planey and the NOVA Alexandria Band performing Roger Zare’s December Lullaby.
Heather Planey performing with the NOVA Alexandria Band performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
The evening ended with a phenomenal ‘Sleigh Ride’ written by Leroy Anderson.
NOVA Alexandria Band performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt ConleyNOVA Alexandria Band performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Another amazing Holiday Concert has to come to an end. If you enjoyed this evening please come back support our Spring Concerts!
SPRING 2023
Thursday, February 23, 2023: A Children’s Concert featuring:
The NOVA Alexandria Band and special guests:
· March 28 (7:30pm concert): A Tribute to Gospel Concert
Featuring the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble & Special Guests!
• March 31st 7:30pm – Solo Violin Recital with Loop Pedel by Visiting Artist Sarah Whitney. ROOM 118 of the NOVA Alexandria AFA (Fine Arts Building) at the Alexandria Campus.
• April 18, 2023, 8 pm in Schlesinger Hall
The NOVA Community Chorus with special guests from The U.S. Army Chorus and the Arlington Community Chorus. Selections include The Battle Hymn of the Republic, a world premiere of Peace Restored by Dr. Jonathan Kolm, movements from Dona Nobis Pacem by Vaughan Williams, Hope Lingers On and Shalom by Dan Forrest.
• April 27 (8pm concert): The NOVA Symphony Orchestra at the Schlesinger Concert Hall in Alexandria!
PROGRAM:
Aaron Copland. Fanfare for the Common Man. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17.
• May 5 (8pm concert): NOVA Music Dept. Spring Concert with the choir, jazz, and concert band ensembles.
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!
