VOCES OMNES PERFORMANCE

hat does it feel like to be lost in music? On a Monday night, choirs came together to bring a wonderful evening full of music and wonder.

On Mar. 6, 2023, UA Little Rock School of Literary and Performing Arts presented “Voces Omnes.” This concert showed the talent of our very own UA Little Rock choirs with high school choirs: Robinson High School Bella Voce, Parkview High School Lab Singers and Madrigals, and Sylvan Hills High School VOX Chorale.

Opening the program was Robinson High School Freshman Choir, directed by Edmund Hampton, with the song “Siyahamba”, an amusing and lively piece. They then led into their second piece “Elijah Rock”, a song that starts with a sad and wistful sound but turns into a bouncy and bright tune. It is safe to say that this group started the concert on the right foot.

After a fantastic performance by Robinson High School, Bryant High School Bella Voce, under the direction of Tanner Oglesby and accompanied by Jeannie Cross on piano was next.

Their first song, “Muusika” was a light and delicate piece. It sounded effortless and had a simple, but ethereal sound.

Next, their song “Flight”, truly made you feel like you were floating. The group visibly moved with passion and feeling. It was beautiful to see young people sing with such a love for music.

Their last song “A City Called Heaven”, brought a standing ovation. Maegan Hall was an outstanding soloist. It could not be denied the powerhouse vocalists present in this choir.

Parkview High School Madrigals, under the direction of Mary Shollmier with piano accompaniment by CamRyn

WStillman, take the stage next with the song “All Ye Who Music Love.” The song was light and complex, with lots of moving parts that came together to form one beautiful sound.

Their second piece, “Locus Iste” sounded otherwordly. After a beautiful performance by the Madrigals, Parkview High School Lab Singers join them on the stage. Their first piece, “Wade in the Water”, was soulful. They brought a unique rendition of a classic African American spiritual.

Next, they sang their second piece “I Cannot Count the Stars” accompanied by flutist, Megan Dorris. The song was dramatic, yet airy. It had a fantastical element like I was entering a hidden world.

They finished a beautiful performance with the song “Richte Mich Got.”

Finishing out the high school performances was the Sylvan Hills High School VOX Chorale led by Director Elaine Harris and Assistant Director Alexa Wilson.

They started with the song, “Sing Gently”, a comforting piece that sounded like a lullaby. There was something hopeful about the song, like it was a message and promise between two people that they will see each other again.

Next, they sang, “Lord Have Mercy”. It was an acapella piece, the only accompaniment was their footsteps and hand claps. The song had a soulful and full sound to it. This group sounded wise beyond their years.

In the second part of the program, the UA Little Rock Choirs, under the direction of Dr. Lorissa Mason with accompaniment by Professor Leann Jones, take the stage beginning with the Women’s Choir.

The Women’s Choir started with the song, “Grace Before Sleep.” A delicate lullaby that sounded like it could be on a movie soundtrack. The song moved with such color, like the Northern lights. The feathery and soft sound of the sopranos soared through the air like a bird, as the altos provided a strong foundation like a tree for the bird to land on. The Women’s Choir elevates its sound with each performance they bring and this song proved it.

Their next song, “The Seal Lullaby” was sung with such care for the words and meaning of this piece. The thought put into this performance was evident.

Their last song, “Vichten” was a fun and animated acapella piece written in a similar style to Acadian folk music.

According to jwpepper. com, “the words of Vichten are made up entirely of nonsense syllables, similar to Scottish “mouth music” where the voices are intended to mimic instruments.”

Soloist, Saige Kelly started the song, her voice filling the concert hall. The group, accompanied by Dorian Izzo who played the spoons clearly enjoyed singing this piece, as they could not help but smile while singing such a joyous song. As you watched them, you probably couldn’t help but smile too.

The UA Little Rock Chamber Singers grace us with their singing abilities next with the song, “Bogoroditse Devo” conducted by student Christian Waldron.

The piece moved like leaves on a fall day, swaying in the wind and carrying you to a different place.

It may be a meadow, the beach, or a forest. Wherever it is, the Chamber Singers know how to take their audience to a different place with their music. Their next piece was “Tu Sangre en la mia”, which translates to “Your Blood in Mine.”

According to jwpepper.com, the Grammy-nominated piece was composed to the poem by

Pablo Neruda, “Tu Sangre en la Mia.”

The piece celebrates the simplistic beauty of love with an alluring and dramatic sound.

The Chamber Singers finished their portion of the program with the song “Invictus.”

From the very first note, the song draws you in. Joined by cello player, Joanna Klett, the song had a dark, ominous, and haunting sound.

It was captivating. The piece moved with the force and gracefulness of a raging sea. This talented group of singers is skilled in the art of telling a story with music.

Last, but certainly not least, the UA Little Rock Concert Choir takes the stage. The choir starts with the song, “At the Round Earth’s Imagined Corners.”

This song was complex. At times it was a bold proclamation for praise, followed by a sweet lullaby and plea for God’s grace and mercy.

Next, was the song “Immortal Memory,” a piece made in tribute to the late Robert Burns. The song felt nostalgic and familiar.

Though the piece was made in memory of Robert Burns, you can’t help but think back to simple and happy times. Times with loved ones that seemed like it was over all too quickly. With this song, the Concert Choir brought you back to a safe place.

The Concert Choir concluded this evening of performances with the song “Modimo,” a South African piece that the group sang with high spirits.

Accompanied by Omar Delgado for percussion, the piece felt like a living thing. As Dr. Lorissa Mason said, “Choral music is a visual art.” The visible connection between Dr. Mason and her singers is beautiful to see.

All of this would not be possible without the creative direction and guidance of each choral director and pianist. Together, with their singers, they put on an evening full of magnificent performances. Be on the lookout for upcoming performances and concerts by the UA Little Rock School of Literary and Performing Arts. You do not want to miss it.

BY RIAN NEWMAN