In typical fashion, Stony Brook University’s choral concert this winter provided songs of beauty, meaning and hope. And in typical fashion, Chorale Director Shoshana Hershkowitz could be found up at the podium on the Staller Reception Hall stage passionately leading the two groups — Stony Brook Chorale and Camerata Singers — through alternately somber pieces and music of joy, redemption and spirituality.
The pieces also were purposefully selected to give traditionally underrepresented songwriters a voice.
In the video above, the Camerata Singers perform ‘A Bridge of Peace’ with music by Gwyneth Walker and text from Egyptian-born Israeli poet, writer, lecturer, sociologist and peace researcher Ada Aharoni. At 90 years old, Aharoni continues to dedicate herself to reconciliation in the Middle East — in this piece, “talking about this idea of what the world would look like if we didn’t make each other afraid,” said Hershkowitz.
“Our choral program is committed to sharing the works of historically underrepresented and marginalized communities in our programming,” shared Hershkowitz. “The Stony Brook Chorale performed a program by women composers, the majority of the pieces composed by Black women. That included Brittany Elizabeth Boikin — a composer who came out of the HBCU [Historically Black Colleges and Universities] system. Camerata Singers’ program was centered around voices from Israel and Palestine, with works from Shireen Abu Khader and others.”
“We are committed to this programming because we believe that the arts are a reflection of the world around us. We strive to tell stories that also illuminate the world as it should be, and open hearts and minds to perspectives perhaps not considered.”
In addition to all of this, the concerts provide a joyous bonding experience for both audience and performers. Said Chorale community member Karen Berry: “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!”
— Ellen Cooke
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