Concert Report

The concert opened with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s “Alleluia/Praise to The Lord, The Almighty,” featuring enchanting bells played by choir members that enhanced the beautiful melodies and rich instrumental arrangement. Following this, “With Joyful Voices Sing” showcased the choir’s diverse tonal qualities, capturing the song’s profound meaning and evoking a sense of peace, further enriched by the serene natural backdrop.

The performance included a brief introduction celebrating the choir’s ability to bring people together, recognizing hosts Demos, Townsen, Darger, and Meliculo, who have been connected to the choir through various experiences, whether as audience members or through generations of involvement.

The program continued with “How Excellent Thy Name,” “Alleluia,” and “Alleluia from Psalm 150,” which emphasized praise through repetitive phrases and extended notes, creating calming and beautiful melodies. The concert’s highlight for me was the cultural contributions of “Ah, El Novio No Quere Dinero!,” “Gamelan,” and “Cindy,” which infused the performance with vibrant tones and dynamic instrumentation. The uplifting selections “Music Everywhere,” “In the Garden,” and “To God Be the Glory” showcased how different melodies can convey themes of unity, love, and faith.

Next, the Morehouse and Spelman College Glee Clubs were introduced, with the host highlighting their strong connection and commendable achievements. The Morehouse Glee Club captivated the audience with “Great Glorious” and “I Ain’t Got Weary Yet,” pieces that resonated deeply with cultural significance and complemented the overall theme of the evening. Their powerful voices shone, especially in their heartfelt inclusion of African American spiritual music.

Following their performance, the Spelman Glee Club was introduced, celebrated as the oldest collegiate choir of African American women in the nation. They began with a soulful rendition of “Wade in the Water,” showcasing emotional depth and vocal mastery, particularly through the engaging call-and-response with the soloist. Their next selection, “Children Go Where I Send Thee,” kept the audience enthralled with its lively tempo and storytelling. The performance concluded with “A Choice to Change the World,” perfectly encapsulating Spelman’s mission and tying together the concert’s overarching themes.

The evening took an exciting turn when Kristin Chenoweth joined the Tabernacle Choir for a powerful rendition of “Angels Among Us,” honoring heroes like first responders, especially in the context of 9/11. Chenoweth’s emotional delivery, combined with the choir’s support, made for a profoundly moving performance. She continued with “How Great Thou Art,” which further showcased her ability to evoke deep emotion with remarkable vocal precision.

The concert culminated in a collaborative debut of “Songs For The People,” featuring all three choirs along with a unique four-hand piano arrangement. The emotional resonance of this piece was striking, as the blend of voices created a stunning harmony. This was followed by “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” and the host provided historical context for the iconic “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” performed by the Tabernacle Choir. With its strong marching rhythm, this piece evoked a sense of unity and resilience, reinforcing the message of coming together through faith.

As the concert drew to a close, the choir delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Georgia On My Mind,” which resonated with the local audience. The evening concluded with their uplifting performance of “Til We Meet Again,” providing a perfect and touching finale to a magnificent concert.