Masterwork’s Choral Ensemble’s “It Could Be Beautiful”

Originally published on social media on December 8th, 2024

It could be beautiful.

What a captivating title for a performance! As soon as I read it, I knew that this was going to be a special concert and that I had to get in the audience! Masterworks Choral Ensemble did not disappoint. As always, the groups and the solos were spectacular! The dynamics, voice part balance, diction, and blending were lovely! I found myself dancing along to some songs while happy crying to others — could I ask for a better evening?

The program was so purposefully designed, and the heart and intention shined throughout the performance. There was a small handful of holiday classics, but what compelled me was the pieces that talked about peace, serenity, and goodwill. These concepts do exist in Christmas songs we hear on the radio, but there is something sacred about those pieces that get back to love at its core. Love, the divine love we are reminded of in the birth of our savior, is the reason for the season.

This theme shined through, and this was the theme I was coming for, but another theme emerged: in context of one of the songs they performed, “it could be beautiful” was a lyric that described the end to violence, discrimination, and darkness. In a world that’s becoming ever so complex because of the rise in polarization, hearing a uniting message that gives voice to the kind of justice we should all want was refreshing and inspiring. It could be beautiful.

I’m thankful for groups like Masterworks Choral Ensemble that remind us of our collective need for music, beauty, and love, and I look forward to attending more of their concerts in the future.