The Shenandoah Conservatory choirs and members of the Shenandoah Dance Ensemble were delighted to present a free collaborative concert on Sunday, May 2, that took their audience on a musical journey through the Brandt Student Center (BSC) Parking Garage.
The festivities began on the lower level of the BSC parking deck with the SSAA (Soprano I, Soprano II, Alto I, Alto II) Ensemble directed by Assistant Professor, Music Education (Choral Emphasis) Hillary Ridgley, Ph.D., which presented two songs: “Lumen” by Abbie Betinis and “Watane” by Mark Sirett.
The TTBB (Tenor I, Tenor II, Bass I, Bass II) Ensemble, directed by Associate Professor of Voice and Director of Choral Activities Matt Oltman, D.M.A., took audiences up to the next level with its vibrant performances of “Dulaman” by Michael McGlynn and a traditional work, “O qué suave!” arranged by Craig Russell.
Ryan Davis ’21 (Master of Music in Conducting) then led the SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) Ensemble in “de Prez’ Mille regretz,” followed by Palestrina’s “Super flumina Babylonis” and Dowland’s “Come Again, Sweet Love.”
Tallis’ “If Ye Love Me” and Debussy’s “Dieu! Qu’il la fait bon regarder” were directed by Pamela Keim ’21 (Master of Music in Conducting) who concluded her program with Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” as arranged by Craig Hella Johnson.
The concert concluded with the premiere of a new collaborative work, “With Our Last Breath,” showcasing the SATB Ensemble and members of the Shenandoah Dance Ensemble once again under the direction of Dr. Oltman. Set to three glorious works by Orlando di Lasso: “Media Vita,” “De Profundis” and “Laudate Dominum de coelis.” Choreography for the new work was created by Coordinator for Theatre & Dance Recruitment and Associate Professor of Dance Erica Helm, M.F.A., and the members of the Dance Ensemble.
Audience members brought their own blankets and lawn chairs and, on occasion, matched the cheers from a nearby soccer tournament with their own bravos! and bravas! for the incredibly talented voices and dancing of the Shenandoah Conservatory artists.
“It was a fun, totally al fresco event, and a delightful way to wrap up the weekend’s Apple Blossom festivities,” said Helm.
