Hillsdale College Choirs Perform Together in Christ Chapel
Hillsdale, Mich. — Hillsdale College faculty and staff, students, friends of the College, and the surrounding community joined together in Christ Chapel for the Hillsdale College Choir and Chamber Choir’s annual spring concert on April 4. The performance featured works by Beethoven, Vaughan Williams, Boulanger, Ola Gjeilo, Shawn Kirchner, and more.
“This concert was one of my most memorable experiences in the performing arts,” said junior choir member Makenzie Lo. “I am especially proud of our German and French pieces directed by Dr. McDonnell.”
Timothy McDonnell, director of sacred music and associate conductor of choirs at Hillsdale College, said that one of the great things about music at the college is the diversity of academic interests among ensemble members.
“As we were preparing these works, I had wonderful French and German language students who helped us to refine our choral diction along the way,” McDonnell said. “The creative process is deepened by our students’ broader intellectual pursuits.”
The chamber choir opened the concert and was followed by a short intermission and the Hillsdale College Choir’s performance of “Serenade to Music” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. This mixed choral ensemble performance included student soloists and violinists.
“I enjoyed performing with both choirs and the variety of music we presented,” said James Holleman, chair and professor of music. “It’s always bittersweet to acknowledge the graduating seniors — happy for their successes and futures, sad to see them leave.”
Five seniors from the choir and seven from the chamber choir were recognized during the performance.
The Hillsdale College Choir is a mixed choral ensemble of more than 70 voices with membership open to all Hillsdale College students. The chamber choir, under the musical direction of James Holleman, is selected by audition from among the larger Hillsdale College Choir. Over 25 percent of Hillsdale College’s student body participate in one or more of the College’s music ensembles.