ELIZABETH CITY, N.C.— With soul-stirring melodies and captivating performances, Elizabeth City State University's (ECSU) Community Connections event, Sounds of Soul: Holiday Edition, turned a chilly December evening into a warm celebration of music, storytelling and holiday cheer.
Directed by Walter Swan, professor and director of choral activities, the ECSU University Choir delivered a performance Friday night that transcended genres and embraced the magic of the season through sound.
At the heart of the evening was Johann Sebastian Bach's Magnificat, a major work that set the tone for the night and reflected the program's artistic and educational purpose. "I chose Bach for a myriad of reasons," said Swan. "As a teaching tool, studying major works as such is proven to elevate the cognitive prowess of its learners. The goal was to choose a work that would challenge and inspire our students, build teamwork within the ensemble, usher in the holiday season, and bring the greater community together in the spirit of oneness."
The night opened with rich and precise harmonies that could melt the frost on the windows, and the choir transitioned effortlessly between choral literature, spirituals, soul, pop, ballads, Broadway, jazz and gospel.
"The playful nature of harmonic progressions, coupled with the serious tones taken from the book of Luke, seemed to have been the perfect combination during this season," Swan added.
One standout moment came when Alisa Chandler, alto section leader, took the stage to deliver a rendition of Oh Holy Night. Her deep, sultry voice filled the auditorium as she belted, "Fall on your knees and hear the angel voices," but in that moment, as she ended the piece softly, all anyone could hear was hers.
Swan left no stone unturned. Even the stage matched the theme and created an environment of what is coined as "Neo-Baroque" decor. Inspired by Swan’s vision, this became the perfect setting for the evening. The drawings of the statues provided a lifelike texture that resonated with the musical offerings of the event.
Adding more visuals to the night, Whitlei Cason, alto singer, performed a liturgical dance. Under dimmed lights, a spotlight illuminated her as she moved gracefully to the music.
But no holiday concert is complete without a touch of fun.
Enter Gavin Trent, bass singer, who emerged from behind a Christmas tree to deliver a mischievous performance of You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, and provided the perfect comic relief.
The tenors—Jordan, Jeremiah and Joshua—delivered a comedic skit about preparing for Christmas. Their playful dialogue led seamlessly into This Christmas while they channeled the legendary moves of The Temptations. Each singer took turns shining individually before joining in a chorus that had the audience clapping and swaying along.
Swan's direction ensured the evening was evidence of the choir's dedication, talent and unity. "Give me all your best. Don't leave anything on the table," Swan said in rehearsal the evening before.
As part of the Don and Catherine Bryan Cultural Series, the ECSU University Choir took their talents to Nags Head, NC and performed their holiday edition for the third consecutive year at Saint Andrews by the Sea. Thursday evening, they will return to Duck, NC for their second consecutive holiday concert.
Sounds of Soul: Holiday Edition wasn't just a concert—it was an experience that celebrated the season's joy while showcasing the influence of music as both an educational and unifying force. Bach's Magnificat served as the perfect centerpiece. Every voice contributed to a tight and soulful harmony that impacted the crowd long after the final note.