The 2013 ESU Spring Choral Concert

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU) of PA Music Department presented their Spring Choral Concert in The Cecilia S. Cohen Recital Hall which is located within the Fine and Performing Arts Center on Wednesday May 8th. The concert consisted of performances of a variety musical offerings presented by the university’s A Cappella Ensemble and its Concert Choir. Both presentations were pleasing to the ear as beautifully blended voices enhanced each piece.

The A Cappella Ensemble began the concert and was led under the direction of Associate Professor James Maroney. A quite hush filled the hall as the first utterances created by this group of talented singers began to emerge. The selections included “Te Quiero” composed by Alberto Favero as arranged by Liliano Cangiano and featured the voices of Marcus Howard, Shaun Coleman, Rebecca Lausch, and Paula Dixon who served as the work’s soloists.

Ms. Dixon also lent her profoundly beautiful voice to two additional selections which were performed. The first was a French Folk Song arranged by Frances Poilenc titled, “Margoton va t’a l’au.” The second selection was an American Folk Song arranged by Parker/Shaw titled, “Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier.” As the final selection to be performed by the A Cappella Ensemble approached, a pause in the concert ensued in order to present a number of students with some special awards and scholarships in recognition for their outstanding talents and contributions to the choral arts. After the ensemble’s performance concluded, a brief intermission took place.

The East Stroudsburg University’s Concert Choir consisting of students, faculty members, and those who dwell in the university’s surrounding  entered the hall. They were led under the direction of Associate Professor James Maroney and were accompanied by Pauline Fox who performed on piano and organ. From the first notes of the piece titled, “Hard Times Come Again No More” composed by Stephen Foster as arranged by Mark Keller to the lingering echoes heard as the final selection titled, “Make Our Garden Grow” from the Operetta titled “Candide” composed by Leonard Bernstein in 1956 and based upon the novella written in 1759 by Voltaire titled, “Candide, ou l’Optimisme (Candide or All for the Best) filled the auditory senses with its adieu, the recital hall’s capacity audience embraced the resonance of each musical offering with their soul.

Throughout the concert, there were a number of pieces which demonstrated the outstanding proficiency of the assembled singers. This included “Dulaman” composed by Michael McGlynn featuring Howard Marcus and David Yablonski who served as the composition’s soloists. A particularly challenging piece to vocalize was written by Australian Composer Sarah Hopkins titled, “Past Life Melodies” which she wrote to honor her departed father.

The later work was performed a cappella and utilized a number of vocal overtones interacting with one another creating a sacred quality transcending the ordinary sense of spiritual awareness. It’s intricate beauty entranced the audience who is more likely to feel the composition than to hear it. A few moments passed before the audience came back from the beyond and were able to express its appreciation for the journey the choir took them upon through their applause. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the East Stroudsburg University’s Spring Choral Concert in The ESU 2013 Gallery at  www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151583225905421.1073741826.636000420&type=1.

The East Stroudsburg University of PA Music Department next musical presentation will include their 26th Annual Spring Band Concert on Sunday May 12th featuring the University/Community Concert Band and the University Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Otis French and a Student Voice Recital on Tuesday May 14th. The next Choral Concert will be the Winter Choral Concert scheduled to take place on Wednesday December 4th 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 August 27th. Please Explore The ESU Vocal Performing Arts Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/ESU-Vocal-Performing-Arts/103816162994926 for more information.