On December 9, at exactly 7:00 p.m., the Valhalla filled with fine music as the Irvington Choir took the stage for its Winter Concert. The Choir director, Ms. Olson, along with multiple ensembles performed a diverse, and festive program that showcased their musical growth, and school spirit accumulated from months of preparation.
As the audience members entered the Valhalla, they were greeted with an array of Christmas decorations, miniature trees, and an assortment of gingerbread-themed decor that set a seasonal tone for the upcoming performance.
The concert opened with “Ahlan Wa Sahlan”, an Arabic-inspired piece that blends Western and Middle Eastern music into an integrated work of repertoire. Shruthi Suresh (10), delivered a solo at the beginning of the piece, immediately capturing the attention of the audience. Suresh explains that she was drawn to the piece because of her background in Indian classical music, as the styles felt similar and were familiar to her. Although she usually doesn’t experience stage fright, being a first-time soloist was a new experience for her. “I think it was really fun,” Suresh said. “At the end of the day, I really enjoyed the experience.”
Each ensemble brought its own energy and vibe to the stage throughout the night. The Concert Choir performed the upbeat and festive “Holly Jolly Christmas,” while Encore Ensemble sang “Remembering December”. Fresco Femme, an all-girls group, performed “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” bringing humor and charm to the program , earning many rounds of applause from the audience.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came during Encore Ensemble’s performance of “Children Go Where I Send Thee.” The piece featured a rap-style duet by Nikita Jain (10) and Elina Mangla (9), a unique element that is rarely seen in traditional choir concerts. Jain explained that the duet came together when she and Mangla decided they did not want the rap section to be left out. “We wanted it to happen because it’s such a beautiful part of the piece,” Mangla explained.
Mastering the rhythm and timing required extra practice outside of regular rehearsals. Jain, who was performing her first-ever choir solo, admitted to being extremely nervous, especially about walking to the microphone stands. “I was so convinced I was going to trip going down the risers,” she said. Despite her nerves, the performance was a huge success earning the loudest applause of the night.
The concert concluded with an interactive piece that invited the audience to participate, creating a memorable close to the night. Suresh emphasized the sense of connection choir brings to students. “Choir presents you with such a big community,” she said, adding that she would not have met as many people if she had not joined choir.
All in all, the 2025 Winter Choir Concert was a memorable evening that highlighted Irvington students’ passion and dedication for vocals. From everlasting holiday favorites to unique solo’s, the concert successfully drew in the audience for the season of festivities, leaving them eager for future performances.
