BHS choral concerts provided joyous seasonal music

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Updated: February 20, 2012 8:22AM

Two nights of glorious holiday choral music were presented Dec. 14 and 15 at Barrington High School by directors Nancie Tobison and Bonnie Spurling. I enjoyed seeing both concerts, which began with the Concert Choir’s rock-solid “Emmanuel” by Besig, the lilting “Celtic Advent Carol” by Angerman, the polyphonic and declarative “Do You Hear What I Hear?” by Regne and Shayne, and an impressive a cappella version of “Carol of the Bells.”

On Dec. 14 the audience also was treated to the B-Naturals singing an innovative rendition of “Christmas Lights” by the popular group Coldplay. On Dec. 15 the girls a cappella group Premium Blend sang a wistful “Is Love Life?” with lovely solos by Kayla Stearns and Elizabeth Stermer. Also on Dec. 15 was a dramatically smooth version of “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, performed by the all-male crowd-pleasing a cappella ensemble X, with great solo work by Ben Bruce.

Cheery Surprises entertained both nights with a delightful “Hey There Mr. Santa Claus” by Fox with super solos by Andrea Schumann and Hannah Wieneke. They also sang a fun rendition of “Jingle Bells” by Pierpont, with marvelous solos by Hailey Rowe and Shannon Corey. Premium Blend performed an outstanding “Winter Song” by Michaelson and Bareilles on Dec. 15; that evening also featured a warm and fuzzy “Holly Jolly Medley” by Eurlaub, with a lovely solo by Jilly Karande.

The large A Cappella Choir performed both nights, singing a powerful “Mary Sat a Rockin” by Gilpin and a stunning “Winter’s Night” by Myers. Then alums and professional singers were invited to come on stage and sing a rousing “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “The Messiah.” I truly enjoy this tradition of musical camaraderie.

After a bustling intermission, the majestic Madrigals entertained with Medieval, English, French, German and traditional carols, as well as pieces by John Rutter and Sir Thomas Morley. A select ensemble of the senior Madrigal singers just enjoyed a successful and adventurous performance at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Change-Up performed a lighthearted and sincere “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Carey and Afanasieff. Then Select Ensemble singers, redubbed “Santa’s Little Helpers,” sang an adorable and spunky “Zat You Santa Claus” by Fox. Gentlemen Only followed with an energetic and jovial version of the English carol “I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In.”

Ladies Only presented the lovely French carol “Le Sommeil de L’Enfant Jesus,” which was enhanced by an angelic solo by Gabi King on Dec. 13 and Kelsey Kober on Dec. 14. That was followed by a luscious “Lo, How a Rose” by Earlene Rentz. Then the barbershop group Afternoon Delight performed to the crowd’s “evening delight.”

Each evening the Festival Choir helped usher in the musical culmination with a buoyant “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day.” Then all of the BHS alums in the house joined the group and sang the magically soothing Austrian carol “Still, Still, Still,” which was the signature concert closing piece of former BHS choir director Philip Mark. A comical “Fa La La La La” completed each show and left the audience wanting more. Lakeview neighbor Ashley Moy did a wonderful job as the versatile, accompanying flutist. Choir Booster chairs are Scott and Christine Badskey; Kari Lee Moranski coordinates all costumes and uniforms; and the student a cappella leaders are Nicole Cherecwich, Stephen Martino and Kayla Stearns.

Plan now to attend the next choral concert on March 13.

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