The McNeese Choir took audiences from night to light in the McNeese Concert Chorale’s first concert of the season Wednesday.

The theme, “Underneath the Stars,” was inspired by the night-themed music from composers including Claude Debussy, Benjamin Britten, Ludwig Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Claudio Monteverdi, Marques Garrett and Giovanni Palestrina.

The event also included student instrumentalists from McNeese’s Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity and soloist and speakers from both McNeese Choirs.

Landon Scriber, the director of choral activities at McNeese, organized, conducted, and produced the event.

“Often times in music, night is associated with life’s trials, tribulations, and death, while the day is associated with hope, optimism, and light,” Scriber said. “At this concert, we will take our audience through the night and experience tough times, loss of loved ones, and tribulations. At the end of the concert, we will make it through our darkness and find the light, symbolizing no matter how grim the darkness is, light and hope are worth persevering for and awaiting us on the other side.”

The Chorale sang a variety of styles, including Renaissance polyphony, 21st century chord-cluster sonorities, spirituals, French and German partsongs.

The McNeese Chamber Choir and Concert Chorale spent the entire spring semester preparing for the performance.

“I am beyond proud to take the stage with my students to make this concert come to life,” Scriber said. “The community, culture, and strive for musical excellence we have built together this year is something I’m remarkably proud of and blessed to be a part of. This is just the beginning. Geaux Pokes!”