Choir music soared through the rafters of Glencoe Union Church earlier this month, as children’s voices lifted in song.
The Campanella Children’s Choir performed holiday songs, arias and duets from the opera “Hansel and Gretel” by Engelbert Humperdinck. The choir was led by artistic director Marianna Kosaya with piano accompaniment by Diana Kofman, all part of the Winter Bells Concert Jan. 15 performed at the Glencoe Union Church.
“Making music is important for our soul. It elevates us and allows us to share happiness with others,” said Kosaya who is also founder of Northbrook-based Campanella Children’s Education Center.
“Especially during our current times with so much suffering and worry, the kids can make this world a better place through their music,” Kosaya said.
Kosaya said although the choir had outdoor performances during the warmer months, this was their first indoor concert since the pandemic began.
“We thought long and hard about going ahead with Saturday’s concert, but in the end, the children were hungry to perform in public again,” Kosaya said.
The Saturday evening performance showcased 40 youth age 4 to 18.
According to Kosaya, the Rev. David Wood, of the Glencoe Union Church, was supportive and accommodating in providing the concert venue.
Special precautions included a limit to audience size, temperature checks of audience members and all 40 choir members were tested for the coronavirus before the evening performance.
Julie Yarosh, of Northbrook, is mom to Jenny Ogiela and said this is her daughter’s fourth season with Campanella.
“Campanella is a family,” Yarosh said. “Not only do they provide music education and performance opportunities, but an environment to make lifelong friends, to learn teamwork and leadership skills in the most diverse and inclusive setting.”
According to the its website, Campanella brings students together from diverse cultural backgrounds, to perform songs in many languages, including English, Russian, Spanish, French, Czech, Yiddish, Italian, German, African Bemba and Xhosa. Performances promote the cultural heritage of the many ethnic communities across Chicago and area suburbs.
The concert was largely based on the libretto of the opera, “Hansel and Gretel.”
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The story and music include artwork created by Campanella art students, and music was performed in tandem with the illustrated projections.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer.