By Maria Kimble, Contributing Writer

West Liberty University houses plenty of talent here on the hilltop. Friday, April 1 at 7 p.m., WLU’s advance women’s chorus will present a concert in the Interfaith Chapel. “Cantamus: A Celebration of Women in Music.” It is free and open to the public.

The musical performance includes a variety of music composed and performed by women. Performer, junior, Emily Wade, encourages students to come support the arts.

“I think students should come out to our concert because this is one of a kind ensemble with only eight voices. They’re going to hear us totally exposed and hopefully get an idea of what else the music program is doing here at West Liberty,” said Wade.

The ensemble has been rehearsing since January, and is excited to perform for the WLU audience. Freshman performer, Lindsay Six, is happy to bring diverse music to the hilltop.

“I think students should take every opportunity they can get to experience new forms of music. Not many students have probably experienced a women’s choir quite like ours, so it is sure to be a great new experience for everyone involved,” said Six.  

The set list includes a variety of music including show tunes. Scott Glysson, Director of Choral Activities, shows excitement about all of the pieces.

“I guess if I had to lift up a certain piece or two, I would point to three,” said Glysson. “We are doing a very ancient piece which dates back to 1000AD by the first known woman composer, Hildegard of Bingen.”

Lyndsay Six shares the same enthusiasm as Dr. Glysson for the piece, Stabat Mater by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. The arrangement incorporates a string quartet that will sure be a crowd pleaser.

“I am most excited to perform the Stabat Mater. I feel that this was the most challenging, and it is a wonderful piece of music. Our choir  has worked very hard to put it together,” said Six.

“To me this Celebration of Women is much more than simply singing songs about and composed by women,” said Six. “We are celebrating these successful women and highlighting the talent, creativity, and wisdom that can be found in every woman,” said Six.

“Cantamus: A Celebration of Women in Music” is a show not to be missed. Come out to support the talented ladies this Friday. For more information about the performance and the music department at WLU, contact Dr. Glysson.