UCF Singing Knights

 

presents

Radiance:

A Luminous UCF

Choral Showcase

Music of Hope and Light

 

featuring the

University Singers

SoAl Chorus

TeBa Chorus

Knights Chorale

with

Dr. Kelly Miller, Conductor

Dr. Jeffery Redding, Conductor

and

Linda Charlton, Collaborative Piano

Robin Jensen, Collaborative Piano

Sunday, April 12, 2026

2:00 PM

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Steinmetz Hall, Downtown Orlando

 

 

 

concert program

Coro Profundo

Betelehemu                                                                                                                                                              arr. Wendell Whalum

 

Originally a Nigerian Christmas carol, this energetic work was popularized in the West by Wendell Whalum and the Morehouse College Glee Club Sung in Yoruba, the piece is a rhythmic celebration of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem It often features traditional African percussion, emphasizing the joyous “Good News”

Translation (Yoruba to English)

Betelehemu, Betelehemu: Bethlehem, Bethlehem

Awa yio ri Baba gbojule: We shall see the Father on whom we rely

Awa yio ri Jesu l’oke ope: We shall see Jesus on the hill of gratitude

Nibo l’abi Jesu? Nibo l’agbe bii? Where was Jesus born? Where was he brought forth?

Betelehemu, ilu nla, nibe l’abi Jesu, Ọmọ Ọlọrun:

Bethlehem, the great city, there Jesus was born, the Son of God

A dupe fun ọ jọ oni, Baba olowo ori wa: We give thanks for this day, Father, our protector

 

Cantilena

 

  Psalm 23                                                                                                                                                                         Z. Randall Stroope

 

Z. Randall Stroope is known for his lush, lyrical choral writing This setting of the shepherd’s psalm focuses on serenity and assurance the piano accompaniment and vocal parts create a sense of “still waters” and “green pastures,” offering a musical refuge from the chaos of the world

Scripture: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

 

 

TeBa

 

   Vive L’Amour                                                                                                                              Arr. by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw

 

“Vive L’Amour” translates to ‘Long Live Love’. The lyrics of this drinking song are a mixture of English and French. “Vive La Compagnie” or ‘Long Live the Company’ as it is sometimes titled, has numerous variations from around the world. Scouts adopted it as one of their tunes under “Vive l’Amour”. It dates to 1818 in England’s Traditional Ballads Index. Irish singers adopted the tune for political use in the 19th century (“Ireland Blocks The Way”) and Confederate soldiers adopted it during America’s Civil War as “Chivalrous C.S.A.” (1861). The Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music has the first American publication dating from 1844. This appears to be an old English folk song, but its true origins and history are unknown. ~ Program Note adapted from kristinhall.org/songbook/ForeignSongs/ViveLaCompagnie.pdf

Let ev’ry good fellow now join in our song, Should time or occasion, compel us to part, Vive la compagnie! Vive la compagnie! Success to each other and pass it along, These days shall forever, enliven our heart, Vive la compagnie! Vive la compagnie!

Refrain Let every old bachelor fill up his glass, Vive l’a, vive l’a, vive l’amour. Vive la compagnie! Vive l’a, vive l’a, vive l’amour, And drink to the health of his favorite lass. Vive l’amour, Vive l’amour, Vive… Let… every old married man drink to his wife, Vive la compagnie! The joy of his bosom and comfort of life.

Vive la compagnie. Refrain.

Come all you good fellows and join in with me, Vive la compagnie! And raise up your voices in close harmony. Vive la compagnie! Refrain

 

  Make Them Hear You from Ragtime                                                                                          Stephen Flaherty/arr. Mark Hayes

Make Them Hear You is one of the most powerful and enduring songs from the Tony Award–winning musical Ragtime. Sung by the character Coalhouse Walker Jr., the piece emerges at a pivotal moment in the story as a call to action, justice, and the necessity of speaking out against injustice. Set in early 20th-century America, Ragtime weaves together stories of social change, racial tension, and the pursuit of dignity and equality. In this context, Make Them Hear You becomes both a personal declaration and a universal anthem. The text urges individuals to raise their voices, stand firm in their convictions, and ensure that their struggles and truths are acknowledged. Widely performed in both theatrical and choral settings, Make Them Hear You continues to inspire audiences with its timeless message about courage, advocacy, and the power of being heard.

 

SoAl

 

  Laudamus Te                                                                                                                                                                 Andrea Ramsey

 

“Laudamus Te” (“We praise you”) is a vibrant and rhythmically engaging choral work by American composer Andrea Ramsey, known for her expressive vocal writing and stylistic versatility. Drawing its text from the traditional Latin liturgy, the piece reflects a spirit of joyful praise and communal celebration. Ramsey’s setting blends classical choral traditions with contemporary harmonic language and energetic rhythmic drive.

 

Laudamus te, Glorificamus te, We praise thee, We glorify thee,

Adoramus te, We worship thee,

Gratias agimus tibi We give thanks to thee,

propter magnum gloriam tuam, according to thy great glory,

Domine Deus, Rex coelestis, Lord God, Heavenly King,

Deus Pater omnipotens God the Father almighty,

Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Lord God, Lamb of God,

Filius Patris Son of the Father,

Laudamus te We praise the.

 

  Hope Lingers On                                                                                                                                                           Andrea Ramsey

 

This piece is a deeply expressive work that reflects Andrea Ramsey’s gift for pairing poignant text with sensitive and evocative musical writing. The piece explores themes of resilience, healing, and the quiet persistence of hope in the face of life’s challenges.

 

  By Night                                                                                                                                                                       Elaine Hagenberg

 

Harriet Prescott Spofford’s poem “By Night” depicts a young woman who discovers a bold new world of thrilling beauty when she ventures beyond her familiar walls. A galloping accompaniment underscores this wild discovery, and a soaring wind motif in the vocal line rushes forth as if to take the viewer’s breath away. A contrasting middle

section pauses briefly to meditate on the “beauty born in its Maker’s thought” before racing forward again, painting a cinematic scene of wonder and awe. ~ Elaine Hagenberg

 

Combined Sopranos and Altos

No Time

This beautiful arrangement combines two traditional camp meeting songs: “Rise, Oh Fathers” and “No Time to Tarry Here” It explores the themes of mortality and the spiritual journey The repetitive, driving nature of the melody reflects the urgency of the soul’s passage.

Key Theme: “I have no time to tarry here, I’ll journey on to my savior”

 

Combined Tenors and Basses

 

  The Wellerman                                                                                                                   New Zealand Folk Song/arr. Michael Ware

 

“The Wellerman” is a traditional sea shanty that originated among 19th-century whalers in New Zealand. The song refers to supply ships—known as “wellermen”—owned by the Weller Brothers, who would bring essential provisions such as tea, sugar, and rum to whaling crews stationed far from shore. Like many sea shanties, “The Wellerman” reflects the rhythms and realities of maritime labor. Its steady, driving pulse and repetitive structure made it well-suited for coordinating group tasks aboard ships, while its storytelling text captures both the hardship and camaraderie of life at sea. The narrative follows a whaling vessel locked in a prolonged struggle with a whale, expressing both determination and anticipation for relief when the wellerman arrives.

 

In recent years,“The Wellerman” experienced a global resurgence in popularity through social media platforms such as TikTok, where its catchy melody and layered harmonies inspired countless adaptations and collaborations. This revival introduced the centuries-old genre of sea shanties to new audiences around the world.

 

— INTERMISSION —

 

Knights Chorale

  Illuminare                                                                                                                                                                    Elaine Hagenberg

 

Illuminare is Hagenberg’s first multi-movement work, inspired by the journey from darkness into light Using texts from various historical and sacred sources, it reflects on the human experience of struggle and the eventual triumph of hope

Splendor: (Latin) A celebration of radiant light

Translation: Splendor of the Father’s glory, bringing forth light from light

Caritas: (Latin) Based on the writings of Hildegard von Bingen

Translation: Love abounds in all, from the depths to the stars

Nox: (Latin) Represents the “Night” or the struggle

Translation: The shadows of night fall; stay with us, Lord

Munera: (Latin) A movement of offering and grace

Translation: The gifts of God for the people of God

Illuminare:(Latin) The final ascent into dawn

Translation: To shine on those who sit in darkness… to guide our feet into the way of peace

 

Combined Choirs

Unity (Psalm 133:1)                                                                                                                                                                         M. Cason

 

Unity brings every choir together to reinforce the theme of communal strength! Unity celebrates the collective spirit of the choral department It serves as a reminder that music is a universal language capable of bridging divides and fostering a sense of belonging.

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Thank You to Our Supporters

Thank You to Our Festival Partners

• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
• National Young Composers Challenge
• Orlando Family Stage
• Orlando Shakes
• Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
• UCF Alumni
• UCF College of Health Professions and Sciences
• UCF School of Modeling, Simulation and Training