Featuring Bel Canto and several solo performances with guest appearances from Cantilena and Camerata, three choirs gathered for a concert in Nichol’s Auditorium on January 18.

From the outset, however, the groups faced organizational difficulties with members getting sick, particularly with the virulent flu making rounds among the students.

“A lot of people were getting sick. As of yesterday, eight people of the whole choir were out. [Preparation] was then kind of stressful, but I liked bonding with the group,” Bel Canto member Janet Lee (9) said.

Even with this minor setback, the show continued with various featured performances.

With a chorus of “Come Ye Sons of Art” by Henry Purcell and “Alleluia” from the Cantata No.142 of Johan Kuhnau, Bel Canto began the concert accompanied by violinist Paul Woodruff and violist Toni Woodruff under the direction of Jennifer Sandusky. Following these songs, soloists Justin Gerard (12), a Camerata member, and Shenel Ekici (11) took the stage respectively, singing “Ol’ Man River” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

Afterwards, Camerata performed a traditional choral song called “Journey Home,” composed by Abbie Betinis. Although they had previously performed this song for the fall concert, the choir still managed to find a different interpretation.

“We just focused on performing it better with more emotion and better than last time,” Justin said.

For some of the other members, “Journey Home” also provided an insight into other families’ troubles.

“[Camerata director Susan Nace] immediately wanted us to sing this song because it’s touching […] It makes us appreciate what we have,” Camerata member Sahiti Avula (10) said. “It’s singing about the shelter we have and a loving family.”

Subsequently, soloists, including Gwen Howard (9) and Shazdeh Hussain (11), sang “Hallelujah” and “Lover Man,” followed by Elina Sendonaris (9) on the piano with Debussy’s “Clair de Lune.”

Cantilena came afterwards with their reprise from a previous concert of “Cuckoo is a Pretty Bird” and “A Winter’s Night” by Nicholas Myers.

Finally, Bel Canto returned to perform four traditional songs: “Winter Wonderland of Snow,” “Riawanna,” “Barbara Allen,” and “Battle of Jericho.” Special attention was brought to the aboriginal song “Riawanna,” as it was arranged in a particularly intriguing time signature along with being completely a cappella and, at one point, even improvisational.

“The stuff we did with Bel Canto is very vocally challenging, especially for a group of mostly freshmen,” Sandusky said. “It was definitely a step above what they’re used to.”

“Battle of Jericho” provided an upbeat ending to the concert with fast-paced vocals and harmonies. Several audience members were quick to express their enjoyment of the show.

“I’m quite surprised that the directors were able to pull together a full blown concert with so many being sick that entire week,” Jeton Guiterrez-Bujari (10) said.

The three choirs will make their next appearance among other singing groups at the United Voices concert on March 22 at the Mexican Heritage Theater.