The ESU Winter Choral Concert

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU) of PA Music Department presented their Winter Choral Concert in The Cecilia S. Cohen Recital Hall which is located within the Fine and Performing Arts Center on Wednesday December 5th. The concert consisted of performances of a variety of seasonal music presented by the university’s A Cappella Ensemble and Concert Choir. Both presentations were pleasing to the ear as voices blended beautifully adding a texture to the lyrics even though the foreign aspect of their languages created a mystery among those who could not comprehend each word precisely.

The A Cappella Ensemble began the concert and was led under the direction of Associate Professor James Maroney. From the very first notes sung to the final lyric the group of students shared their talented voices with one another and the audience as well. Their well interpreted selections included a Romanian Folk Song an a particularly touching rendition of “Danny Boy.” The performance of Francis Poulenc’s “Margaton va t’a l’iau” featured a solo given by Paula Dixon.

After the ensemble’s performance concluded and a brief intermission ensued, the East Stroudsburg University’s Concert Choir entered the hall. A great deal of excitement greeted the singers who consisted of students, faculty members, and those who dwell in the university’s surrounding communities. The love for choral music brought them together as it did for the audience who filled the recital hall to capacity. The multitude of voices were led by Associate Professor James Maroney and were accompanied on piano by Pauline Fox.

The compositions performed varied from the classical such as those written by Antonio Vivaldi and Johannes Brahms to those categorized as “American Spiritual” who have no designated authors. Regardless of the authorship, each piece flowed from the choir and into the ears of their listeners who welcomed each note. This was enhanced by solo performances given by Erica Marie Mandez, Rebecca Roeber, and Susan C. Prtune during a selection titled “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and additional musical accompaniment provided by Anna Maroney on Violin and Kristen Weaver on Cello for the selection titled, “O My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose” by Rene’ Clausen.

Although the audience reluctantly accepted the concert’s conclusion, they greeted it with a standing ovation which thundered throughout the entire Performing Arts Center. Many excited conversations evolved around the satisfying performance as friends and families of the participants eagerly awaited their emergence from their gathering places located behind the scene to congratulate them with celebration of their achievement. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the East Stroudsburg University’s Winter Choral Concert in The ESU 2012 Gallery at  www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150661494755421.450297.636000420&type=1.

The East Stroudsburg University of PA Music Department next musical presentation will be their student voice recitals on Tuesday December 11th featuring the students of James Maroney and Wendy Grice. The next Choral Concert will be the Spring Choral Concert scheduled to take place on Wednesday May 8th at The Cecilia S. Cohen Recital Hall. Students and faculty along with members of the community are invited to participate. Rehearsals take place every Tuesday evening from 7:15pm until 9:15pm beginning Tuesday January 29th. Please Explore The ESU Choral and Vocal Website at www.esu.edu/music/sing for more information.