GENESEO, N.Y.–– An uncommon mix of music and vocal range will be presented on October 16, at a joint concert featuring the Geneseo Chamber Singers and the Spectrum Women’s Ensemble. The concert will take place at 8:00 p.m. in Doty Recital Hall.
According to Geneseo Chamber Singers Conductor Gerard Floriano, the performance will incorporate a combination of styles, drawn from “classical choral music, to folk songs and spirituals.”
Free and open to the public, the concert melds the soprano, alto, tenor and bass of the GCS choir with the pure treble of the Spectrum Women’s Ensemble. The Spectrum Ensemble, led by Amy Cochrane, is an all-female choir, although male singers with the ability to sing in a higher treble pitch are welcome to audition.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the joint concert is the absence of an overarching theme. “I’m not into themes,” said Floriano. “I just like to pick a bunch of music I like and throw it all in there … it’s choral miscellany.” He added that the performance will include a number of acapella pieces, with pianist and vocal coach Linda Boianova accompanying on the piano for certain GCS songs.
The students in both choirs were vetted by audition, and bring with them a great deal of talent. “They’re two really good choirs,” said Floriano. “Chamber singers especially is an outstanding choir that has performed at Nationals, American Choral Director’s Association events, state conferences of all sorts … they've toured Europe, they’ll be touring Italy next spring.”
Despite the highly selective nature of the choirs, Floriano noted that spots are not just reserved for music majors. “Students from all majors perform in both choirs,” he said. “We have business majors, biology majors, education majors as well as every other major, probably.”
The concert isn't restricted to classical music lovers, by any means. “If you don’t know anything about classical choral music, it’s a fun opportunity to come see what it is and what it’s about and get involved,” said Floriano.
News release written by College Communications intern Megan Tomaszewski.