Meridian Society Lights Up the Evening with the Department of Music

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Meridian Society partnered with the Department of Music for "There Will Be Light," a performance and reception featuring SIUE's Choral Union, Treble Choir and Concert Chorale.

The evening program began after The Meridian Society, an auxiliary organization of the SIUE Foundation promoting women's leadership and community-based projects, hosted a reception in the lobby of the Dunham Hall Theater before the concert. The concert took place in the Dunham Hall Theater. The choral union and concert chorale was conducted by Nikos Myrogiannis-Koukos, DMA, and the Treble Choir and combined SIUE choirs were conducted by Alicia Canterbury Vorel, DMA.

Attendees for the "There Will Be Light" concert enjoyed readings of poetry and musical movements nurturing the theme of light. Canterbury Vorel wanted the audience to uncover stories from the past by exploring light as a means of hope.

"The Treble Choir's selections run the gamut of light as a beacon of hope to a space for reflection," said Canterbury Vorel. "We are especially excited to tell the story of the Radium Girls, a group of young women who were exposed to radium as part of their work in clock factories who eventually died from the exposure. This piece is intended to shine a light on these women and other people working in tragic conditions through the power of song."

Vorel incorporated a reading and a 1971 piece from Michael Bussewitz-Quarm and lyrics from Chantal Sellers to explore the historical significance of the revolutionary Radium women. The piece, "The Radium Girl", was a perfect pairing for the evening as it also echoed the empowerment of women that the Meridian Society delivers by their philanthropy.

In a statement from Connie Collins, CFRE, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Collins expressed inspiration by the harmonious pairing amongst the University.

"The SIUE Foundation and Meridian Society are honored to collaborate with the Department of Music to amplify our efforts to uplift and inspire through music and connection," said Collins.

The Department of Music offers a diverse lineup of concerts, recitals and performances throughout the year. Visit their website for more upcoming events, and learn more about how the Meridian Society plays a role in shaping the University and Edwardsville-area landscape.

PHOTOS: SIUE Jazz Combo, Meridian Society members with Chancellor Minor, Chancellor Minor with Ethel Shanklin, Eddie the Cougar with Vorel and Myrogiannis-Koukos, Ethel Shanklin, SIUE Concert Chorale, SIUE Treble Choir, Myrogiannis-Koukos, Combined Choir