The Goshen College Chamber Choir delivered a captivating performance  at Rieth Recital Hall on Friday, Jan. 18, offering a preview of their upcoming performance at the Indiana Music Educators Association professional development conference in Fort Wayne.

The concert began with a lighthearted moment as the choir members took some time to settle into their places on stage, with a playful remark from choir director Scott Hochstetler,  who assured the audience that the early stage nervousness would pave the way for a flawless performance the next day. The momentary  exchange added a personal touch creating an intimate connection with the audience. 

The ensemble performed a mix of songs that they had performed during the fall semester, along with some new additions. The selection was deeply rooted in GC’s Mennonite faith tradition. They began with a section of Alice Parker’s “Melodious Accord” which incorporates Mennonite shape-notes hymns. 

Abigail Donovall, freshman music major, said, “[The songs] are just really fun to go through. They go pretty fast, there is a lot of singing in unison but then you split off and it’s very satisfying.”

One of the highlights was a moving performance of “Enough!” by Lee Dengler and Susan Naus Dengler. The powerful piece addresses the tragic issue of gun violence in the nation, opening with phrases taken from breaking news reports of mass shootings. Soloists Dontaye Albert and Fatima Zahara, delivered a strong performance along with the ensemble, while the piece’s message of nonviolent peacemaking resonated with Mennonite tradition.  

Lee Dengler and Naus Dengler attended both performances. Alina Bergstresser, freshman music and psychology double major, said, “I was especially proud to sing that piece in front of Lee and Susan … it was meaningful for them and it was meaningful for us.”  Emmalynn Brown, sophomore music education major, said, “it brought tears to my eyes both nights.”

Brown said that she felt more pressure performing at Rieth because “it was for people that I knew.” Donovall added, “We actually had more people in the audience [in Rieth] than on Saturday.” 

“I think we were all a little tired from the night before, but we still mustered up some good energy,” said Brown.

The Goshen College Choirs will be performing Mahler: Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” with the Elkhart Symphony on Sunday Feb. 2 in Sauder Concert Hall.