At the arts and eats event before the concert, students listened to a lecture discussing “what to listen for” in the concert. Professor Jeffery Bloom explained some of the different methods composers used to express emotions through their music. For example, he mentioned that large jumps in pitch often represent joy, such as in the Hallelujah chorus.
Before the concert there was a palpable buzz at Hill as the packed auditorium prepared to hear the music. The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra began with the sinfonia, playing with great emotion and energy. That same amount of energy was maintained throughout the concert. All of the soloists did a fabulous job. Ava Pine’s strong, yet pure soprano and emotive facial expression captured audience attention. Her rendition of the air, “I know that my redeemer liveth,” in part three of the work was especially memorable. The alto/mezzo part, typically performed by a female singer, was sung in this performance by Anthony Roth Costanzo, a male countertenor. He gave a truly flawless, stand-out performance, stunning and delighting the audience. There were audible gasps in the audience when he first began to sing. Robert Bracey and Kyle Ketelsen, the tenor and bass soloists, respectively, were also very impressive.
The UMS Choral Union did a wonderful job providing the heart and soul of this work. One of UMS’s own staff members, Stephanie Normann, was one of the union’s alto singers. The union’s balance and careful use of dynamics, expertly managed by Jerry Blackstone, made each and every one of their pieces feel like an epic moment to the audience. My favorite came towards the end of the work, “…since by man came death.”The way the piece’s words moved fluidly through the choir made me feel as if I was surrounded by the sound: a wonderful feeling.
All in all, it was a great night filled with fabulous music and holiday cheer.
By: Dana Harlan
UMS Intern
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