Planning for many months, the East choirs have finally showcased what they have learned in the March 2022 “Harmonia Mundi” concert that took place on March 3rd in the East Norris Center. With songs from different countries sung in different languages the concert brought many new wonders. Conducted by Monica Bertrand, the choir director here at East, many smiles were shown and much laughter was heard throughout the show as each choir had something different to bring to the audience.
Starting with a full choir piece from Tasmania, an island state in Australia, “Riawanna” could be heard throughout the auditorium, with whispers and bird sounds echoing throughout the tall ceilings. “Riawanna” meaning “circles” can be sung in many different ways as the choirs worked together to piece the perfect introduction to the program.
Following, with the Cecilian Choir, the audience traveled through England, China and France. Meeting bluebirds and bats, a purple bamboo stalk that turns into a flute and if tea really does remove your cough in “Ton The.”
Next Cantus, an all boy group, as they introduce the wonders of Hawaii, Russia and New Zealand. With a traditional Russian dance in “Kalinka” which brought laughter and smiles, along with acapella voices and fun dance circles.
Traveling further, Bel Canto, an auditioned girl group, doesn’t forget to introduce Germany, Ireland and Japan. Emotion grabs the audience with the moving “Waldesnacht” and excitement with flashlights acting out as fireflies for the jumpy “Hotaru Koi.”
Following with East’s vocal jazz, an upbeat performance of “I’m Here” from the musical “The Color Purple” brings in modern percussion and strings along with raw, strong vocals and a heart-reaching solo performed by sophomore Mary Kate Schoessling.
Taking a trip to Italy, East’s Chamber Singers combine beautiful harmonies and dynamics with poetry in “Il Bianco.” “If in dying, were I to feel no other pain, I would be content to die a thousand deaths a day.”
Wrapping up the group choirs, Chorale, a mixed choir group, finishes the night traveling to India, Estonia, Austria and South Africa. Using Tibetan bowls and clear wine glasses filled with water, the auditorium was filled with magical sounding hums and echoes in a refreshing song that blends Indian and Western styles called “TaReKiTa.”
“Personally, my family really enjoyed the concert so I can only assume that a lot of people also liked the concert because my family is very judgemental so for them to actually like something means that it was either really good or that it was so bad it made them enjoy it,” said student Angelo Barlan-Pagurayan, a member of East’s Chorale Choir.
Finally, ending the performance with happy spirits was a singalong from the choirs to the audience. The classic, “What a Wonderful World,” by Louis Armstrong, filled the empty space, creating smiles and carving memories of this year’s 2022 “Harmonia Mundi” concert.