University Singers to Share Songs of Light, Hope at March 12 Concert; Audition Day Event Planned

March 5, 2026

Six members of the Northwestern Oklahoma State University University Singers perform on stage during the Holiday Gala in December 2025. The singers wear black formal attire with red ties and accessories and hold black music folders and a tablet. They are actively singing, with mouths open and engaged expressions, against a dark stage backdrop with tiered risers visible behind them.
Members of the University Singers perform during the Holiday Gala at Northwestern in December 2025.

ALVA, Okla. — Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Reichenberger Department of Fine Arts vocal music program will present “Illuminations: Songs of Light and Hope” featuring the University Singers on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Alva. The program is free and open to the public.

“The University Singers will present a dynamic and stylistically diverse program exploring themes of resilience, renewal and shared humanity,” said Kane Bradley, director of choral studies and instructor of music. “The repertoire spans contemporary choral works, beloved folk traditions, and masterworks of the classical canon.”

Highlights include Andrea Ramsey’s evocative “Through the Dark,” the imaginative “So Let Us Create” by Ben Thornewill of Jukebox the Ghost (arranged by Adam and Matt Podd), and a fresh choral setting of “From the Start” by Laufey. The program also features Zoltán Kodály’s vibrant “The Peacock,” Bob Dylan’s reflective “I Shall Be Released” in a contemporary choral arrangement, and the spiritual “In Bright Mansions Above” by Roland Carter.

A special moment in the evening will feature Lawana Newell, instructor of music who teaches voice, as soprano soloist during “Laudate Dominum” from Vesperae Solennes de Confessore by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This performance offers a preview of the complete “Vesperae Solennes de Confessore,” which will be presented with full orchestra by the University Chorale on May 1.

Bradley added the March 12 concert promises an engaging blend of classical elegance, contemporary expression, and spiritual depth, showcasing the artistry and versatility of the University Singers.

The March 12 concert will also be the culmination of a day-long schedule of events for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in various aspects of Northwestern’s fine arts programs in vocal, band, theatre and visual arts. Students will be able to experience life as a music student, whether they plan to be music majors or members of any ensemble. They will also be able to attend classes, meet music, theatre and visual arts faculty and students, and audition for scholarships.

Interested students should register for the Audition Day event by March 10 by emailing finearts@nwosu.edu to find out additional information.

For more information regarding the Northwestern choirs and vocal music program, visit the Reichenberger Department of Fine Arts webpage or contact Bradley at jkbradley@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8692.

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