Lumen Christi opened its 2025 fine arts season with the annual Fall Choral Concert, featuring singers from grades four through twelve under the direction of Mr. Justin Marcero and accompanied by Ms. Elena Beasley. The evening highlighted a wide range of ensembles — Cherubim, Rigazzi, Seraphim, Chorale, A Cappella, and Music Ministry — offering a snapshot of developing voices through advanced high-school performance.
The program blended sacred, contemporary, and spiritual choral traditions. Rigazzi performed Come Sail Away With Me and Coldplay’s Yellow, while Seraphim presented Sing to Me and The Battle of Jericho. Chorale delivered major works including ¡Cantar!, Lux Aeterna, and Wade in the Water. A Cappella’s haunting performances of Steal Away and In the Mist contrasted with Music Ministry’s worship selections Lord, I Need You and Days of Elijah to close the night.
Mr. Marcero shared his hopes for what the audience would take away from the performance:
“I hope the audience sees that we do a great variety of music, and that the students are learning how to sing in different styles and genres. Also, I hope the audience can appreciate the extracurricular commitments that many of these students make to create these performances.”
Senior AJ Hart, who sings in Music Ministry, A Cappella, and Chorale, offered insight into what makes each group distinct:
“Music Ministry is to glorify God while being a backdrop to Mass, and because we perform weekly with limited rehearsal time, you have to learn quickly and endure key changes and tempo shifts. A Cappella spans everything from lullabies to fast and foreboding pieces — that group taught me to listen to others and hear where my part fits. Chorale is the main event every second hour in class, and we dig deeply into technique — even how to physically change where the sound resonates to make the choir fuller.”
Hart also reflected on favorite choir memories and songs from past years — including boys rehearsing in the Commons bathroom because of the echo and the emotional payoff of singing On My Own from Les Misérables:
“I don’t even have a connection to Les Mis, but that song cut at my heart in beauty and bliss.”
With the fall concert complete, preparations now turn toward Christmas. Families with singers in grades 4–6 are invited to consider joining Cherubim as ensembles begin rehearsal for the December season. Upcoming fine arts events include the Fall Play (Dec. 5–7), the Choir Christmas Concert (Dec. 10) and the Band Christmas Concert (Dec. 11). Listeners can find performances online at YouTube.com/@LCVocal.
