Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University's winter choral concert featured a selection of songs aimed at conveying themes of hope, love, and peace. The event was directed by Shoshana Hershkowitz, who led the Stony Brook Chorale and Camerata Singers in performances that included both somber pieces and music celebrating joy and spirituality.

The concert's repertoire was intentionally chosen to highlight traditionally underrepresented songwriters. One notable performance by the Camerata Singers was 'A Bridge of Peace,' composed by Gwyneth Walker with text from Ada Aharoni, an Egyptian-born Israeli poet dedicated to Middle Eastern reconciliation. "Talking about this idea of what the world would look like if we didn’t make each other afraid," Hershkowitz explained.

Hershkowitz emphasized the program's commitment to showcasing works from historically marginalized communities: "Our choral program is committed to sharing the works of historically underrepresented and marginalized communities in our programming." She noted that the Stony Brook Chorale performed compositions primarily by Black women, including Brittany Elizabeth Boikin, while Camerata Singers focused on voices from Israel and Palestine.

"We are committed to this programming because we believe that the arts are a reflection of the world around us," said Hershkowitz. "We strive to tell stories that also illuminate the world as it should be, and open hearts and minds to perspectives perhaps not considered."

Chorale community member Karen Berry expressed her enjoyment of participating in these performances: “I just want to say how much I enjoy singing Gospel songs chosen by Shoshana. Once each semester I can pretend to be a Gospel singer and watch Shoshana dance!”

The concert provided a joyful experience for both audience members and performers alike.

— Ellen Cooke