Performing love ballads and choral works from around the world, WSU choirs held their midwinter concert last Thursday night at Bryan Hall Theatre.

WSU’s Treble, Chamber, Concert and University choirs each performed multiple pieces in various languages and genres.

The night began with the Chamber Singers performing “Ambe,” a welcoming piece sung in the Ojibwe language. All five pieces in their set were self-conducted and a cappella.

Following the Chamber Singers, the University Singers and Treble Choir took the stage before the Concert Choir closed the night. The concert’s title piece, “Can You Hear My Heart Sing?,” was performed by the Treble Choir and composed by award-winning musician MaryAnne Muglia Smith, a former student of one of the conductors.

“She sang in my recital choir,” said Matthew Myers, associate director of choral activities, as he introduced the song. “I was even the pianist for her voice lessons.”

Planning for the performance began at the start of the semester, Myers said. Choral staff carefully curated the repertoire, researching different musical avenues to select pieces that fit the singers and conveyed a meaningful message.

Featuring songs from Latvia, the Philippines, Argentina and beyond, “Can You Hear My Heart Sing?” centered on a global theme of love.

Myers said he hoped to communicate uplifting positivity in a time when people are often forced to focus on global conflict and despair. Through diverse sounds and cultures, the concert presented humanity’s love story in choral form.

“I really like the message,” said freshman choir member Cohen Storch. “I think it is something that the world needs a lot of right now.”

The performance also emphasized both community and the individuals performing.

“Those who maybe aren’t feeling loved by anyone right now might feel part of a community by coming to this performance,” Myers said. “And for the singers in these choirs, we want them to feel that ‘radiant acceptance.’”

For Myers, the most important part of rehearsal is ensuring students look forward to and enjoy it. He encourages all students to join a choir, regardless of major. Two of the four choirs—University Choir and Treble Choir—are non-audition and count as one-semester credit.

Students said choir fosters a strong sense of belonging, especially among like-minded individuals.

“I love being able to work with others to create something that has significant meaning to all of us individually and as a whole,” said MaKenna Wagnon, graduate student conductor and choir member.

Storch shared a similar sentiment, saying that witnessing people’s passion and sense of community is special.

Out of the program’s four major performances of the year, this was the third. Choirs now have five weeks to prepare for their next concert on April 17, which will feature both famous classics, such as “Requiem” by Gabriel Fauré, and contemporary compositions.

For updates on the choirs and future performances, follow WSU Choral Music on Instagram.