PSU Chamber Singers: Joyful Noise a Success

On Friday, December 3rd, I attended the Plymouth State University Chamber Singers performance of “A Joyful Noise,” conducted by Dr. Daniel Perkins at the Plymouth Congregational Church. It was their first of three performances over the course of three days. They also performed at the Gilford Community Church of Gilford, New Hampshire, and at the First United Methodist Church in Burlington, Vermont.Although the concert was free, donations were accepted to help support the Chamber Singer’s performance study tour. In January 2005, Dr. Perkins and the Chamber Singers will travel to study and perform in Rome, Italy. The Chamber Singers were also joined by the Hanover Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Perkins, performed as well. The Orchestra was the first to begin the show, the first to perform after intermission, and they performed with the Chamber Singers to close the show. I had an idea of what to expect from the Chamber Singers after seeing them perform at the All New England Choral Festival. Though it was my first time experiencing the sound of the Hanover Chamber Orchestra, I thought they gave a magnificent performance. The music they played was smooth and flowing. They seemed to play every note perfectly, which made for a great opening of the show. With the men and women of the Chamber Singers dressed in black tuxedos and black dresses, everyone looked very professional. During the show I glanced around the filled seats of the church. One woman sitting nearby had a look of amazement. After the Chamber Singers finished Lauridsen’s “Fire Songs,” the only word that came from the woman’s mouth was, “wow.” I was of the same opinion. While listening to the Chamber Singers perform I felt goose bumps forming on my arms. After intermission the Orchestra, also in black tuxedoes and black dresses, played Mozart’s Sonata in C, K. 263. After they finished, as everyone was clapping, the Chamber Singers came out and stood behind the Orchestra. Together they performed Mozart’s “Vesperae solennes de Dominica, K.321.” This piece had six parts in it with solos by, Ashley St. Martin, Amy Patrick, Travis Palmer, Dan Hollander, Kendra Treadwell, Amanda Koba, Brian O’ Shaughnessy, Jake Josef, Liz DeJulio, Sarah Comtois, John Lynes, Ryan Sturgis, Jennifer Stevens, and Chris Covill. The sound that came from the singers and instruments was amazing. It wouldn’t leave; it lingered, and floated in the church. I was not the only one who enjoyed the performance. As they ended the show, someone else yelled in a congratulating manner. Everyone stood up instantly and clapped their hardest as Dr. Perkins took a bow, showed his appreciation to the Orchestra, and to the soloists. Everyone continued to clap as Dr. Perkins walked away, and then came back and took a bow with the Chamber Singers. After the clapping died down, we all began to congratulate the performers, and slowly leave the church. I glanced down at my hands and noticed they were completely red. I smiled, because I had just experienced a Joyful Noise.