Annual Spring Concert showcases talent in the Performing Arts

Ursuline’s Performing Arts Department punctuated the second half of the school year with its iconic Spring Concert on April 21. As is tradition, the concert was held in the Tully Family Auditorium and Gymnasium. Friends and family filled the room, as well as community members coming from the Dance Festival preceding the concert who wanted to support the girls in the performing arts. Some of the dancers had to make a quick exit from the Dance Festival to dance again accompanying the High School Strings. The Spring Concert featured performances from all three choirs, high school winds and strings classes and the Advanced Orchestra. It was fascinating to see the results of students’ efforts, in some cases spanning over 7 years in Ursuline’s Performing Arts Program. 

The Middle School Choir, Concert Choir and Chamber Choir were all led by Mr. Sylvain Falipou-Karkari of the Performing Arts Department and Religion Department, a departure from previous concerts. The Combined Choirs reflected this cohesion in their performance of Mozart’s “Dies Irae”, as well as the performance of Michael Engelhardt’s “I Will Sing” by the joined Concert and Chamber Choirs. In the emotional performance of “For Good” from the musical “Wicked”, senior soloists Haley Avila and Allie Go delivered touching verses about gratitude for moments and people in our lives, as well as having to say goodbye to them. It was a beautiful end to the Chamber Choir’s set, leaving many seniors and friends with tears in their eyes. Another standout from the Chamber Choir was its performance of “Ave Maria,” accompanied by Haley Hamers '27 on the flute. Hamers is a member of the Chamber Choir, and her dual role was a pleasant surprise to the audience. 

The instrumental performances, conducted by Mrs. Kelly Gentry of the Performing Arts department, were also immensely impressive. The Advanced Orchestra played a rendition of “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas,” featuring a violin solo by senior Victoria Morris. The well-known song had the crowd swaying along and was met with enthusiastic applause. A highlight performance was High School Strings’ “Lotus Dance” by Kathryn Griesinger. It was accompanied by eighth-grade dancers Krystabell Chambers, Kayla Lopes, Nicole Recine, and Mary Scutero. The dancers reflected the flowing tempo of the piece with their choreography, costumes, and scarf props. The fluidity of the “Lotus Dance” was juxtaposed by the energetic “Burst!” by Brian Balmages, also performed by High School Strings. Their ability to play songs of vastly different tempos was another way the girls presented their skills in the Performing Arts.

Congratulations to the performers and the faculty of the Performing Arts department for another incredible performance. Their hard work shined through every note they played and every song they sang. We look forward to the next concert