On Sunday, April 19, the Chapel was filled with the sounds of students singing during the University Chorus and Chamber Singers Spring Choral Concert. The University Chorus consists of almost 80 people, spanning students, members of the faculty and staff and citizens in the community. The Chamber Singers are an elite, 18-member choir comprised of students selected from the University Chorus.

On Sunday, these two groups came together to perform the works of Johannes Brahms, William Dawson, Moses Hogan, Franz Liszt, Arvo Part, Stephen Paulus and Josef Rheinberger a cappella. For the final piece, Antonin Dvorak’s Mass in D Minor, the University Chorus and Chamber Singers were accompanied by a guest orchestra.

“The concert program was designed specifically with our European concert tour in mind, focusing on music of composers who lived or worked in the cities where we will be performing,” Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Chorus Dr. Ryan Endris said.

Junior Logan Keig is a member of the University Chorus and enjoys the challenges it brings in learning new music and building on skills. 

“I think, by participating in University Chorus, students get to take part in a fantastic learning atmosphere where not only do you benefit from the extensive knowledge of our director, Ryan Endris, but also from being surrounded by other singers with a shared goal of creating an amazing performance.”

Sophomore Dylan Crouse is also a member of the chorus, who joined this group as an alternative to the a capella groups on campus. 

“We sang, this semester, Dvorak’s Mass in D and three American spiritual songs as a chorus,” Crouse said. “The chamber singers did Two Motet’s by Brahm, and some other non-secular a cappella music.”

On May 18, the University choral ensembles will commence their European concert tour, with performances in Prague, Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest. The tour will finish on May 27.

The University Chorus meets twice a week for a total of three hours. The Chamber Singers meet for an additional two and half hours a week to rehearse for performances such as the Spring Choral concert, and their upcoming Central European Tour.

“Aside from the joy of being on stage and performing wonderful music together, those who sing in the University Chorus develop strong social ties,” Endris said. “It’s a community for those who love music, regardless of experience. Rehearsing and performing music requires the highest level of discipline, attention to detail, multitasking and teamwork.”

Not only does participation in the chorus bring joy to its members, but its performances also serve to entertain students, staff and community members who attend their concerts.

“The chorus blended really well with the orchestra and the performers were very passionate and into the music,” first-year Muriel Davies said. “It was interesting to hear the mix of classical strings with a chorus and they were very well rehearsed it seemed.”

“Students gain a lot from participating in the chorus,” Crouse said. “Dr. Endris does a great job at helping everyone improve their singing and music skills. He is one of our biggest advantages, and his expertise is part of the reason we consistently attract high-level singers from the various on campus a cappella groups.”