RETURN CONCERT

After returning from Italy, the Select Ensemble performed its program of tour music at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Columbia on January 22 Though this concert is traditionally held in Hammond’s Dorothy Walker Chapel following Select Ensemble tours, director of choirs Steven Hillard wanted the concert to take place at the Cathedral to allow for a larger crowd while giving attendees an authentic taste of the choir’s Italy performances, which were held primarily at large, historic churches.

The Cathedral was nearly full with families and friends of singers, faculty and staff, and even alumni and former parents The crowd notably included Governor Henry McMaster, at whose inauguration the choir performed a week earlier, and his wife, Peggy. Their daughter, Mary Rogers Herskowitz ‘07, sang in the Select Ensemble while she was at Hammond.

Tenor CJ Davis ‘23 was injured in a severe car accident shortly after returning from Italy and was unable to perform during the concert Though bound to a wheelchair, CJ took a front-row seat He was greeted with a standing ovation from the audience as he entered the Cathedral and sang along to many of the choir’s numbers