By Martyna Telakowski; Photo Credits to Hannah Matriccino
They say music can span generations, and according to SU’s annual Homecoming Concert, this was a message the Music Department took to heart. Performing in front of alumni is no easy feat; however, SU students took this with stride as they gave homage to a legacy their former peers helped create.
On Friday, Sept. 25, SU students performed at the Homecoming Concert, located in Stretansky Concert Hall, where a display of various musical and theatrical groups stood forth in front of a multitude of students, parents, faculty, and staff. Among this sea of faces sat some familiar ones. SU’s very own music alumni stared back at the stage, which seemed to serve as a mirror throughout the night.
When speaking with Department Head of Music Dr. Eric Hinton, he noted that the performance featured contributions from “several of our stellar ensembles.” To this, I sensed no lie.
Only a few weeks into the semester, and the concert was able to bring together a wide range of SU musical departments, such as The University Choir, Choral, and Chamber Singers, The Jazz Ensemble, The Orchestra, and even Symphonic Band, eliminating the assumption of slim pickings.
The night greeted us with open arms with the University Chorale’s performance of “Tumekuja Kiumba.” Hannah Bower, Emily Shearer, and Francesca Marquez’s inviting voices presided over the others. A direct translation: We have come to sing! We have come to praise! That much was expected. What we didn’t expect, though, was the sound that filled the auditorium quickly, drawing the audience right into the performance.
What followed was a tribute to late country singer, Dolly Parton. Emily Shearer’s solo, along with Jaime Yoon’s accompanying flute, make the perfect pairing as they perform “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” This performance gave me chills, setting the tone for a night not only on honoring the past, but also on carrying those legacies forward. The crescendo of applause overcame the hall naturally as Emily’s voice was one that remained in our minds the whole night. To bear witness to a voice like that, one can be so lucky.
Slone Smith’s melody on the piano is what introduced the next act. I come to a lack of words when having to describe the sheer strength and emotion felt by this group of singers. While the entire ensemble possessed voices that spread the message of hope that has not been entirely forgotten, it was the glistening Ella Patterson, whom I hold nothing but the kindest words for, who truly embodied the fervor at the heart of Bob Dylan’s “The Times They are A’Changin’.” The lyrics alone hold so much passion as Dylan sings about catching up with a world that is in constant motion. Patterson’s voice sings for a generation who isn’t afraid of change but instead embraces it. Ella Patterson, it is so easy to praise you.
The stage gave way to The University Choir Singers, who opened their performance with Thomas Tallis’s “Tallis Canon,” followed by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck’s “Gaude et Laetare.” However, just before their rendition of “A Mighty Fortress,” SU choir alum were invited to come on stage and sing along. This moment set the precedent for the rest of the evening, as audience participation was encouraged rather than shied away from. For some, it seemed as though no time had passed since they last tuned their voices and performed for an audience. The transition onto the stage was seamless as they blended effortlessly into the ensemble.
After a brief intermission, wooden chairs were arranged across the stage as the talented cast of the Fall Musical treated the audience to excerpts from Come from Away. Without giving too much away, the castbrought a sense of raw emotion, energy and confidence to every lyric. The scene balanced humor with optimism, a combination that made the performance especially engaging. For those who wish to see the full production, Come From Away will be performed in the Degenstein Theater on Oct. 8-11.
The Jazz Ensemble followed with swoony and mellow tunes from Nat Adderley and Horace Silver, as well as their rendition of Black Cow from Steely Dan’s 1977 landmark album Aja. With another nod to the alums in the crowd, this bluesy performance filled the auditorium with a lively rhythm that had my foot tapping along before I even noticed.
Jazz might’ve left behind a tough act to follow, but The Orchestra transitioned gracefully into a stirring piece by William Grant Still and the Diversions for Strings by New Zealander Douglas Lilburn.
To end the night off, the Symphonic Band performed a classic work by Frank Ticheli and Song for America by SU’s own David Kammerer (’76). This work for solo voice and band was sung by Phil Hollister (‘77), joined by his son, John, on guitar, bringing a generational connection to the performance and making it an adequate way to conclude the night.
In short, Dr. Hinton had hinted “this should be a wonderful concert, one of the highlights of the semester,” and that it was.