Men’s chorus performs final winter concert

The Quarryland Men’s Chorus performed its winter concert Sunday afternoon at the First United Church of Bloomington.

Founded in 2002 and currently under the direction of Barry Magee, the 22-man ensemble’s goal is to create a supportive environment for the LGBT community.

The group began their concert with a rendition of “Hodie Christus Natus Est,” an antiphonal piece in which the choir created an echoing effect with their voices.

“It was probably my favorite piece to sing,” IU master’s student and chorus member Chris Prestia said.

The chorus also sang the traditional holiday song “Let There be Peace on Earth.” Magee told the audience to consider their participation as a “pre-audition” for anyone wanting to audition for the chorus in February.

After this, the ensemble sang a lesser-known song called “Boogie Woogie
Hanukkah.”

“The ‘Boogie Woogie Hanukkah’ song was so fun to watch,” IU alumnus Benny Holt said. “But the song ‘Thankful’ is one of my all-time favorites.”

During the intermission, a brass quintet played a few short pieces for the audience. The quintet was also featured in the traditional Jewish song “Oseh Shalom.”

To finish the performance, the choir sang an arrangement of “Joy to the World” as previously performed by Mariah Carey. Assistant Director Mitch Serslev had a solo during this song and brought the audience to its feet at the end of the number.

“I loved the whole performance,” said Amy Dyken, who was in the audience. “This group always has a good message to share.”

The Quarryland Men’s Chorus performs two full concerts annually and will be singing at the Bloomington PRIDE Film Festival in January. Because of their involvement in the LGBT community, the chorus received the 2009-10 community member award from the Indiana University Commission on Multicultural Understanding.

A lot of work went into preparing for this concert, Prestia said.

“This is a very supportive group,” Prestia said. “Although I’m new, I’ve already made a lot of friends.”

A reception of cookies and chocolate by BluBoy Café and Cakery followed the concert, and attendees were encouraged to talk to performers.

“The entire concert was just wonderful,” Holt said. “The choir did some very good work.”