By Daniel Buckwalter
As winter term ends at the University of Oregon, spring weather gloriously bathes us with warm sunshine.
I know, it’s blinding and lovely.
Even so, March 16 was a good evening to be indoors. Specifically, it was wonderful to be inside Beall Concert Hall on the UO campus to listen to the UO Chamber Choir and the University Singers.
It was also well worth it for the large and enthusiastic audience. That enthusiasm is what makes any UO-driven concert at Beall Hall a fun experience. Everyone seems to know everyone, and the cheers and goodwill are genuine.
The UO Chamber Choir, under the direction of Sharon Paul, got the program rolling with five selections. The first two pieces — from Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck and Johannes Brahms — celebrated the season of Lent (happy Easter!) and were well done.
More upbeat and contemporary pieces rounded out the Chamber Choir’s work. Tonight Eternity Alone, written by René Clausen, featured lovely solo work by Shelby Laird, Brett Mason, Emma Jones and Grace Miller, under the direction of Caleb Saunders, a Masters student studying choral conducting. Performing If I Were a Swan by Kevin Puts and Sweet Rivers by Shawn Kirchner, the Chamber Choir displayed professional grace and received a well-deserved ovation.
After intermission came the University Singers under the direction of Melissa Brunkan.
They were equally compelling, a joy to listen to, including Túrót eszik a cigány a traditional Hungarian folk song conducted by doctoral student Grace Kuo, Tu Voz by Shawn Kirchner, and Apple Tree by Aurora Aksnes.
Overall, it was a good night and a great way to say goodbye to winter and to welcome spring.
