On Friday, Feb. 20, the long-standing tradition of Late Night concerts at Calvin came to a sentimental close with its Late Night Era’s Concert. This concert was part of Calvin’s 150th year celebration and featured music spanning from the 1930s to now, performed by Capella, Women’s Chorale and the Calvin Alumni Choir. 

The performance

The night kicked off with a performance from Capella and Women’s Chorale of “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, complete with choreography. 

From there, solos, duets and small group performances ensued, from “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again” by Judy Garland and “Summertime” by George Gershwin of the 1930’s, to today’s “Like the Movies” by Laufey. Each decade was announced by Mark Stover, Director of Choral Activities, and Carrie Hoeksema, conductor of Women’s Chorale, and began with highlights from that decade at Calvin. 

The night ended with Capella, Women’s Chorale, and members of the Calvin Alumni Choir joining together for a rendition of “I Love You/What a Wonderful World,” arranged by Craig Hella Johnson. Chad Scholtens, co-president of Capella with Haley Grace Fox, and Katelyn Rigterink, president of Women’s Chorale, both echoed that this was the piece they were most proud of and excited to perform. Scholtens explained that the piece had “taken a lot of time, communication, coordination and practice, but I am really proud of our final product.” Rigterink felt that “not only is the singing truly gorgeous, but the atmosphere of compassion and care invites everyone in the room to fully immerse themselves in this fantastic piece.”

Preparing for the performance

Putting the performance together was hard work for leadership of both Capella and Women’s Chorale. Scholtens explained that a large aspect of the work put into the performance on Capella’s end was in “generating confidence and excitement across the choirs,” as both choirs “are littered with musical talent; part of our job, therefore, was to help draw that

talent out of our peers.” 

Planning the evening also included quite a bit of communication and coordination, Scholtens said. Rigterink expanded on this, saying, “I have personally ensured that every moment spent outside of class, including rehearsals, dance choreography sessions and dress rehearsals, was clearly communicated to every member of the choir.” Scholtens thanked the leadership of both Stover and Hoeksema, saying that under their guidance “we have made something really special.”

On collaborating with Women’s Chorale, Scholtens described the experience as “always a blessing.” He continued, “Not only do they bring energy, joy and excitement to this concert, they bring extraordinary music.” Scholtens also shared his excitement about having the opportunity to work with Hoeksema, saying that “it would be remiss of me to not accredit her for the joy she instills in Women’s Chorale and the music department as a whole. Any opportunity to sing under her is a gift, one that Haley Grace [Fox], myself and Capella at large are grateful for.”

Rigterink felt similarly, explaining that “sharing a space for choreography and music workshops [with Capella] has been an incredible experience, and having the opportunity to work alongside them has been wonderful. I can see friendships forming between Capella and Women’s Chorale; the laughter and excitement we’ve shared have been a true blessing to be a part of.”

The end of Late Nights

Rigertink described Late Nights as “a long-standing tradition.” Scholtens explained that “Late Night is a platform of musical expression unlike any of our other concerts. It is not often that one has the opportunity to perform anything from Judy Garland to Taylor Swift. This concert, therefore, places the ball of musical creative freedom into the hands of us students.”

With this show being the culmination of the Late Night series, Scholtens shared his love for the tradition as well as his trust in leadership going forward. “Late Nights under Dr. Stover and Professor Hoeksema have been beyond enjoyable to be a part of. Both Capella and Women’s Chorale are indebted to these two for their leadership, guidance, musical expertise and vision. Having said that, we students trust, support and are excited by their vision of what is to come following Late Night’s conclusion,” Scholtens said.