Patrons crowd church to hear NIC Chamber Singers, Cardinal Chorale
The free Winter Choral Concert at the First Presbyterian Church in Coeur d’Alene was so packed that people had to stand.
The church’s colors and stained-glass windows emitted a warm feeling Friday night, Feb. 24, as the North Idaho College Chamber Singers and the Cardinal Chorale performed. The featured work was “Te Deum” by Dan Forrest. The Chamber Singers sang Renaissance motets in addition to “Come to Me,” a piece dedicated to choir member Roger Cardwell, who died in September, 2011.
“I may be a bit biased seeing as three members of the Cardinal Chorale are close friends of mine,” said Jesus Nunez, Coeur d’Alene. “I thought everything was great and would love to see them preform again.”
The NIC Chamber Singers started with the song “Non Nobis, Domine,” composed by William Byrd. The Chamber Singers delivered solid tenor/baritone section. “O Sing Joyfully,” composed by Adrian Batten, had a robust start and well blended vocals. The NIC Chamber Singers sang three more songs before it was time for the NIC Cardinal Chorale.
“The whole thing was very angelic,” said Randy Engle, Rathdrum, the father of one of the Cardinal Chorale singers. “The acoustics really support the singing and style.”
The NIC Cardinal Chorale, conducted by Mendez and featuring Carolyn Jess as the accompanist, started with “Te Deum” or “We praise thee, O God,” composed by Dan Forrest. This was a feature of the night. There was also a surprise piece not featured in the program and two other songs before the night ended.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Emily Engle, music, 19, Spirit Lake.
Mendez closed the concert by encouraging everyone to attend a variety of upcoming NIC events including concerts, plays and art exhibits.
For information on these events and more visit: http://www.nic.edu/events/.
