Bella Voce and Men’s Chorus: First Concert of the Year

By Jacob Adams

Wednesday, Oct. 27, was a day long-awaited by the Bella Voce and Men’s Chorus, Southern Virginia University’s largest choir ensembles. Dressed in fall colors, the singers gathered to perform their first concert of the semester on the front steps of Main Hall.

Highlights of the Men’s Chorus were, “Lay of the Imprisoned Huntsman,” a German inspired ballad, followed by “She Moved Through the Fair,” an Irish love song, then “Think on Me,” a powerful English hymn.

The Men’s Chorus also sang “Pirate Song,” which began solemnly, but after donning pirate hats, brandishing swords and earrings, along with a balloon animal parrot, the choir sang “pirates make me happy.” Choruses of laughter soon broke out.

“We were all primed to go 3 weeks before when we unfortunately had to reschedule our concert. After two weeks off, I was very proud of how the members of the Men’s Chorus rallied together, put the music back together in just a few days, and put on a polished, exciting performance,” says Dr. Kyle Nielsen, director of the Men’s Chorus.

“As a conductor I’m responsible for making great music and helping people get better. But the responsibility I hold most dear is creating a culture where these students can express themselves, feel safe to take risks, and build relationships forged through a shared purpose. Watching those relationships bloom is certainly the most rewarding part of leading these students.”

Bella Voce’s performance included the hymn “Where Can I Turn For Peace?” and “The Witches Chorus,” sung in Italian. Although the song is upbeat and even joyous sounding, Italian speakers will tell you that the song is reminiscent of the witches in Shakespeare’s MacBeth who make potions with wild boar’s blood and laugh as fate plows on.

Dr. Mackenzie Romriell, director of Bella Voce says, “Bella Voce has worked very hard throughout the whole semester and that work was evident in the quality of their performance. I am so proud of them! Standing in front of a huge group of amazing women is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. I am honored to work with these women, to learn from them, to sing with them, and to grow with them.”

If you’d like to join Bella Voce or Men’s Chorus next semester, email Dr. Romriell at mackenzie.romriell@svu.edu or Dr. Nielsen at kyle.nielsen@svu.edu.