As the school year comes to a close, the Cabrini College Chorus has been rehearsing for its annual spring concert. This year the concert is going to be held on May 1 at 3 p.m. in the Grace Hall Atrium. The concert is free and attendees can expect to hear music from different genres.
The chorus has been rehearsing a few opera pieces to sing at the concert. These pieces include the “Triumphal Chorus” from the opera “Aida,” “Anvil Chorus” from the opera “Il Travatore” and the “Regina Coeli” from “Cavalleria Rusticana.”
The chorus will also sing a few pieces from the musicals “Ragtime” and “Finian’s Rainbow.”
The select choir, the Chorale, will also be performing at the concert. They will be singing a variety of songs including a few Duke Ellington pieces.
Dr. Adeline Bethany, the chorus instructor, has grown up around music. Since the age of 9 years old, music has always been a part of her.
“My father played the violin, my sister played the violin and sang. I played the piano and violin. There was always music in my house. It has always been part of my life,” Bethany said.
Her involvement with the chorus here at Cabrini College began in 1980. Upon arrival, Bethany recalls it being very small.
“It was all women when I first became involved. There were only about 15 of us then,” Bethany said.
As the instructor of the chorus, Bethany has taken many opportunities and has made the chorus into a highly respected organization on campus.
“I think we have raised the bar this semester with introducing opera choruses. I know it was a challenge, but everyone is going to be proud that they did it,” Bethany said.
The songs selected for the concert include some of Bethany’s favorite opera choruses, including the Regina Coeli.
Something that Bethany looks forward to every year is the school’s annual Christmas concert.
“There is an aura about it that is special. I love singing all the music that is either religious or secular that relates to that time of the year,” Bethany said.
One compliment that Bethany enjoys hearing the most is that the audience was able to understand the words.
“If you’re singing a song you’re conveying a message, diction and articulation is critical. You have to understand the words,” Bethany said.
Bethany has worked with many seniors during their four years at Cabrini. Her message to the upcoming graduates is one that she feels will benefit them all.
“Continue singing. Your life will take you in many different directions, but eventually it will find you again. You can’t turn it off. It’s a part of your being,” Bethany said.
As a devoted music lover, Bethany shares her enthusiasm with her students. Enjoyment is key.
“You enjoy singing, that’s why you take chorus. In my syllabus, my prime objective is the enjoyment of music through singing. That’s what my students do. They enjoy it,” Bethany said.
Next semester, the chorus will be accepting new members for credit or non-credit. The chorus meets and rehearses in the Widener Lecture Hall every Monday night from 7:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Bethany encourages all to come and sing as a member of the chorus.
