As flowers bloom and daylight lengthens, melodies once again filled the Lennie and John de Csepel Theatre during the Sacred Heart Greenwich annual spring concert. Upper and Middle School students took to the stage May 1, showcasing the artistic talents of the Middle School Madeleines, Nightingales, and Bell Choir, and Upper School Orchestra, Chorus, Madrigals, A Ca-Bellas, Bell Choirs, and Dancers. The concert highlighted talent and community under the direction of Miss Annette Etheridge, Upper and Middle School Music Director, Mr. Sean Lowery, Upper and Middle School Orchestra and Upper School Chorus and Musical Director, Miss Danielle Gennaro ’05, Bell Choir Director and Technical Director of Upper School Theatrical Productions, and Ms. Cynthia Alonzo-Fay, Upper School Dance Choreographer.
The Middle School Madeleines opened the concert with “Becoming You” by Ms. Bethany Main, setting the tone for an evening of cheerful musical expression. As the youngest performers of the night, their enthusiasm and energy captivated the audience and set the stage for the performances to come. Shortly after, the Middle School Bell Choir, led by Miss Gennaro, filled the theatre with the bright, resonant tones of handbells, showcasing “Your Song” by Mr. Elton John and Mr. Bernie Taupin, which echoed beautifully throughout the space.
The Upper School Chorus then performed the Irish Traditional song “Danny Boy” and “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Mr. Steve Perry, Mr. Neal Schon, and Mr. Jonathan Cain, the songwriters of the band Journey, showcasing their growth, unity, and passion for music. Later, the Upper School Stuart and Duchesne Bell Choirs added variety to the evening with their performances of “Hide and Seek” by Mr. Imogen Heap, “Theme from Swan Lake” by Mr. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, “In the Hall of the Mountain King” by Mr. Edvard Grieg, and “The Greatest Love of All” by Mr. Michael Masser. Each group displayed coordination and skill, highlighting the complexity and discipline required to perform as a bell ensemble. The Sacred Heart Bell Choirs use approximately 30 bells spanning two octaves, with each musician responsible for specific notes. The performers follow sheet music arranged by Miss Gennaro to ring their bells in perfect sequence, creating harmonies and melodies. Junior Caroline Hopley, a member of the Bell Choir and Madrigals, spoke about the collaborative nature of Bell Choir.
“I enjoy Bell Choir because you don’t have to be musically inclined to participate,” Caroline said. “What I love most is how we’re all a small part of a bigger whole. On our own, the song would sound incomplete, but with the high, low, and middle bells, everything comes together. It is also crucial that everyone shows up to practice to make it all work.”
The Upper School Dancers performed a lyrical piece to the song “Cello Suite No. 1” by Mr. Johann Sebastian Bach, directed by Ms. Alonzo-Fay. The performance added an intricate visual storytelling layer to the evening during their fourth performance at a Sacred Heart concert. After, the Upper School Orchestra took the stage, weaving together string, wind, and percussion instruments in the songs “Linger” by The Cranberries and “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac. With a small but mighty group of musicians, the orchestra brought pieces to life with precision and passion with Mr. Lowery’s direction. Lastly, the Madrigals performed “Ubi Caritas” by Mr. Dan Forrest, as well as an upbeat rendition of “Closer to Fine” by Ms. Emily Saliers and Ms. Amy Ray, with Mr. Adam Arcano accompanying on the acoustic guitar. To close the evening, all choral groups joined together for a final ensemble performance of “Dancing Queen” by Mr. Benny Andersson, Mr. Stig Anderson, and Mr. Björn Ulvaeus, directed by Miss Etheridge. The collective voices of the school’s vocalists filled the theatre with warmth and unity, drawing a close to a night of artistry and celebration.
Continuing a beloved tradition, Miss Etheridge, Miss Gennaro, and Mr. Lowery honored graduating Madrigals, Bell Choir, and Orchestra members for their contributions to the music programs, giving seniors Colette Minton, Kensington Bleuel, Angelique Cordova, Aitana Ross, Hunter Nigey, Jadamarie Henry, Ainsley Clough, and Ava Clear a heartfelt send-off. Colette reflected on her final performance and expressed her gratitude for her time in the Madrigals choir.
“The spring concert is a culmination of my dedication and passion for music, as it is the last time I will be singing in a school concert with the Madrigals, this group of awesome individuals, before I graduate in June,” Colette said. “The people in Madrigals truly make getting up early every other day worth it. It is comforting to know there is a group of individuals who feel as passionate about music as I do.”
Featured Image by Ellie Furman ’26
