On Saturday Nov. 8, the choir filled the Chapel of the Holy Spirit with the sounds of Franz Schubert’s Mass in G, a masterpiece from the early Romantic era that left the audience on their feet for a standing ovation at the concert’s close.
The performance was part of the Choral Program’s Masterworks Series, showcasing both student talent and growth of the new School of Performing Arts, which opened this fall.
Source: Mia Coppola, Staff Photographer
“With the opening of the School of Performing Arts this fall, we wanted to connect the work in the SHU Choral Program with the academic music department in a meaningful way,” said Dr. Christopher Grundy, director of the choral programs and assistant professor of music.
Grundy explained that featuring Schubert’s Mass in G Major fit naturally with this semester’s Vocal Performance class MU-129, which focuses on Schubert’s Lieder, the German word for “songs.”
“Schubert beautifully bridges the gap between the personal, intimate world of song and the spiritual depth of large-scale choral music,” said Grundy.
The evening featured multiple ensembles: the 4 Heart Harmony performed Schubert’s Mass in G Major, while the SHUpermen sang several of Schubert’s secular choral works that Schubert composed for men’s choir. To round out the program, the Concert Choir performed lesser-heard pieces by Edward Elgar, Zoltán Kodály, and local composer Jennifer Tibbetts.
Senior and Choir President Elizabeth Knapp said performing Schubert’s work brought several valuable opportunities for student growth.
“With the new School of Performing Arts, the Choral Program seeks to continue growing in opportunities for students to learn. Schubert is one way for us to do that,” said Knapp.
Echoing Knapp, Grundy added that this concert not only showcased musical development, but also provided a professional-level experience.
“The Masterworks Series gives our students the chance to engage with major repertoire in a professional, performance-driven setting,” said Grundy. “Learning works by Schubert, Elgar, and Kodály sharpens their musicianship, historical understanding, and artistry. It’s about becoming not just skilled singers, but thoughtful, expressive musicians.”
The choirs have been rehearsing since the beginning of the semester with focused and detailed preparation leading up to the concert.
“Schubert’s music asks for precision, balance, and emotional honesty, so every rehearsal becomes an exploration of color and phrasing. It’s been both technically challenging and deeply rewarding for the singers,” said Grundy.
As the concert approached, energy among choir members continued to build.
“Like any rehearsal process, we start with the basics of learning notes and perfecting rhythms. We are now at the stage where we can add life to the piece through diction and dynamics,” said Knapp.
Senior and Choir Secretary Cathriene Kowalsky highlighted that the addition of live instrumentalists elevated the performance.
“We have live orchestral accompaniment that will be behind our vocals on concert day and soloists from our own ensemble who will be showcased throughout the piece,” said Kowalsky. “The 4 Heart Harmony ensemble has grown so much in our musicianship through this piece, and we can not wait to show it off during our concert.”
For both the choir members and the audience, the concert was more than a musical showcase, but it was an emotional experience.
“For our singers, Schubert’s music develops sensitivity and expressive depth, it’s music that teaches how to sing with both clarity and heart,” said Grundy. “For audiences, it offers moments of reflection and connection; Schubert’s writing speaks directly to the soul with simplicity and sincerity.”
Grundy emphasized how the Masterworks Series reflects the broader mission of SHU’s School of Performing Arts.
“At SHU’s School of Performing Arts we aim to educate the whole musician,” said Grundy. “Participants in this series grapple with major works so they can ask big questions, and explore the breadth and depth of human creativity, and be a positive force in our community.”
“Everyone has put in an insane amount of effort to make sure we do these pieces justice,” said Knapp. “We want the audience to feel our excitement and care about the music as much as we do after spending so much time working with it.”
