I can only imagine what it would be like to be an integral part of creating new and profound choral music — and being a part of the special group that introduces that music to the world.
— Harriet Williams, USC School of Music patron
The year has already been extremely busy for the choral ensemble. In September, the choir joined the other major ensembles from the School of Music for the Centennial Celebration at the Koger Center. They traveled to Greenville in November to perform for the South Carolina American Choral Directors Association. Selection to perform at this professional conference is by audition only, and Concert Choir’s highly acclaimed concert was an exciting culmination of weeks of intense preparation.
In preparation for the choir’s 2024-25 season, choral director Dr. Alicia W. Walker decided to use the South Carolina state motto as the overarching theme for the year. The program will include a commissioned choral piece to honor the school’s celebration of 100 years of music at Carolina.
“Last spring, I asked the Concert Choir members to share what the state motto, ‘While I Breathe, I Hope,’ means to them, then sent their responses to composer Jocelyn Hagen,” says Walker.
Hagen, an internationally recognized composer of choral, vocal and instrumental works, is no stranger to the Concert Choir. In 2022, the choir performed Hagen’s Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, a multimedia work for choir, chamber orchestra and film.
Hagen enlisted poet Julia Klatt Singer to write the text for the Concert Choir’s commissioned piece. The result of their collaboration, “We Make It Home,” will be premiered at a joint concert with the University Chorus.
Aspiring to inspire
“We are particularly grateful for the generosity of Harriet Williams and Jerry Hagenmaier, who made this commission possible,” Walker said. “Their support has been a crucial part of the opportunities available to our students.”
School of Music donor Harriet Williams says she grew up on music — listening, singing and dancing to it.
“One of my most vivid memories is being a part of a college choral group and singing my way through four wonderful years — performing on campus, in the community and for special events. The power of multiple voices singing together as one was magical to me. That feeling is still alive today,” she says. “I can only imagine what it would be like to be an integral part of creating new and profound choral music — and being a part of the special group that introduces that music to the world. I am pleased to be a part of helping it happen.”
Both Walker and Williams hope the commission of this new work will have a lasting impact on the lives of the performers and anyone who hears the piece.
We have been thrilled with our standing-room-only crowds this year and are excited to continue singing for audiences in Columbia and on our spring tour.
— Dr. Alicia W. Walker, Director of Choral Studies
Two choirs, one concert
Concert Choir will perform “We Make It Home” during a “Side by Side” concert with the University Chorus on Tuesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. at Shandon Presbyterian Church in Columbia. The University Chorus will perform various music, including Benjamin Britten’s “Rejoice in the Lamb,” under the direction of Dr. Jabarie Glass. The concert is free and open to the public.
In addition to the Side by Side concerts in Columbia and an outreach performance for Lexington District One high schools, the Concert Choir joined the University Chorus in December for the annual Holiday Garland of Choirs.
“We have been thrilled with our standing-room-only crowds this year and are excited to continue singing for audiences in Columbia and on our spring tour,” says Walker.