Halalisa Singers: Lift Up Your Voice

The concert’s title comes from Brian Tate’s “Lift Up Your Voice!,” written in a gospel style. Featuring inspirational, energetic group singing and soaring soloists, the song speaks to the power of making a joyful noise. Another example of that power is found in the South African “Bambelela (Never Give Up),” a traditional piece expressing courage and perseverance in the face of tragedy. In Ralph Manuel’s beautiful a cappella masterwork “Allelulia,” the chorus shows its lyrical side, while Ernani Aquiar’s… Show more “Salmo 150” showcases fast, rhythmic, exciting vocal work and Aaron Copland’s “Zion’s Walls” interprets folk melodies through a contemporary classical lens. Master songwriter Leonard Cohen is represented in Philip Lawson’s arrangement of “Hallelujah,” a well-loved folk song exploring the many meanings of worship. International selections include the Bulgarian folk song “Rumjana,” Stephen Leek’s “Kungala” based on Australian aboriginal music, “Solidaridad” set to text by Mexican poet Amado Nervo, and the lovely Hebrew prayer “Al Shlosha D’Varim.” Expect the unexpected in Stephen Hatfield’s “Tjak,” a fascinating and fun work inspired by the Balinese monkey chant. The Kenyan number “Wana Baraka” starts slowly and builds into an ecstatic wall of sound, proclaiming the blessings of life and song. The concert concludes with Paul Halley’s “Freedom Trilogy,” which combines the Kyrie from “Missa de Angelis” with South African freedom songs and “Amazing Grace” for a masterful and moving choral experience.

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