Vandaleers and University Chorus

December 9, 2008
Join the [University of Idaho] Lionel Hampton School of Music’s Chorus and Vandaleer Concert Choir for a night of great music. Place ..., time ..., admission cost students and seniors citizens (55 and over) $3, adults $5. It seems that some of the best and least expensive entertainment is the least advertised.

Take last night's performances by the the University of Idaho's Vandaleers and University Chorus. The music wasn't just great and the performance wasn't just great; it was spellbinding.

The combined choirs performed Mozart's Kronungsmesse (Coronation Mass) in C, KV 317. The performance was so powerful and beautiful that I found myself alternately holding my breath and getting goose bumps. I can't remember when a half hour sped by so fast.

There were nine more pieces, each beautiful in their own right. Noel by Todd Smith (arr. by Brad Holmes) was a African Christmas carol. There were drummers, and the singers moved to the music and used clapping and other hand movements. It was very impressive, and judging by the applause, everyone loved it. The Vandaleers performed Hodie Christus Natus Est, O Magnum Mysterium, El Rorro, Arise, Shine for Thy Light Has Come. The Chorus sang the nonsense song Sweater Weather by Kenneth Jennings; this had everyone chuckling. (This is quite cute with pretty music.) Then the combined choirs sang Put Memory Away (by Bob Chilcott) with a beautiful string accompianment arranged by Adam Smith, a UI student. Then, the audience got to be involved. We all sang Hark! the Herald Angels Sing and O Come, All Ye Faithful. It sounded pretty awesome.

And, I should also mention that the accompianists and soloists - orchestra members, drummers, pianist, organist, and guitarist - all performed beautifully.

Where we sat in the auditorium, we had to wait until most of the people left before we could get out. The comments we heard were all positive; everyone seemed really excited and up-beat.