"A Chorus of Voices": Performing at the Wellesley Effect Gala

The Wellesley College Choir just had a very exciting Friday evening! On top of the many pieces we have in our folders for the upcoming collaborative concert with The Radcliffe Choral Society from Harvard University (check back here on the blog for our performance dates), we have been learning music to perform at the Gala for the Campaign for Wellesley. In line with the title of the event, "A Chorus of Voices," it is only appropriate that Wellesley College's Choir sing at the Gala, and Dr. Graham certainly chose songs that fit into the theme of the night.

In order, the Choir performed "Still I Rise" by Rosephanye Powell; "For Our Wellesley," a collection of school songs collected over the years; and "One Voice" by Barry Manilow. The last number featured a stunning solo from our very own Ismet Üner '16!

Soloist Ismet Üner '16

The venue was truly gorgeous. While the choir warmed up before the commencement of the Gala, we took time to admire the space. The hanging drapes and the round tables were washed in dappled shades of blue and purple. The glasses shone like crystal in the dark, and the our voices swelled to fill the Field House just as we rehearsed back in our familiar Houghton Chapel. 

The whole affair was rather theatrical. As the Choir stood on the risers in the penumbra behind the curtains, chatting and adjusting our dresses at the last minute, the director of the Gala gave us our cue. As the heavy blue curtains flew open, Maggie Calmer '18, one of the soloists on "Still I Rise," started the night off. Needless to say, the audience thoroughly enjoyed our performance.

Although it was a magical and fun night for the Choir, the event symbolizes the beginning of a major, 500 million dollar campaign to raise money for the school in order to propagate the "Wellesley Effect." According to the campaign's website, "A Wellesley education has a tangible, lasting effect on women, and therefore the world. That is the Wellesley Effect." And, indeed, we were all witnesses to that effect and its extensive influence on the globe. Throughout the night, incredible and inspiring alumnae of the college took the stage to speak of their successes, and how our Wellesley helped to support and challenge them throughout their lives. What was most extraordinary for us as students to realize was that these women formed such a profound connection with our Alma Mater that they continue and always will want to continue to give support in any form to Wellesley. 

In short, it was a wonderful night, capped off with rich conversations with these amazing women and delicious desserts. If you would like to see more of our Gala photos, please check them out on our official Facebook page!