Distilled Harmony hosts a cappella concert
February 19, 2018
Clad in burgundy clothing, the members of Northeastern’s Distilled Harmony a cappella group marched onto the stage at the Fenway Center Friday night. Cheers erupted from the audience, who filled nearly all 270 seats.
Distilled Harmony was performing in a concert they hosted, themed “Fifty Shades of Burgundy” to honor Valentine’s Day weekend. Northeastern’s all-female Pitch, Please!, Boston University’s In Accord and Lesley University’s Harmogeddon also performed.
Distilled Harmony opened the night with an energetic rendition of “Sorry Not Sorry” by Demi Lovato. The vocal percussionists delivered a strong beat, and as the singers transitioned to the chorus, the audience cheered and whistled. Every member passionately sang and contributed to a lively start to the evening.
After the song ended, members of In Accord strode onto the stage. The women wore bright red dresses, while the men wore black outfits with varying red accessories, such as bowties and suspenders.
In Accord’s set included “Bass Song” by Eryn Allen Kane, “Heavenly Father” by Bon Iver and “Pray” by Sam Smith. Their harmony throughout each song wowed the crowd, in addition to their eye-catching choreography, which included forming into groups with different poses each time.
“My favorite song to perform was probably ‘Bass Song,’” said Mara Coolidge, In Accord’s secretary and soprano singer. “I’m so overwhelmed in a good way. I’m so proud of how we did tonight, and I had so much fun performing here at Northeastern.”
Northeastern’s all-female group, Pitch, Please! followed the visitors. The women wore their signature black outfits with shiny gold heels. They started with their backs turned to the crowd, then gradually turned as they began singing. Their set included “My Mind” by Yebba, “Waves of Loneliness” by Jon Bellion and “Hurts” by Emile Sande. Much like In Accord, Pitch, Please! had intricate choreography that included forming into a big triangle with their arms held out in front of them.
“I’m so proud of everything we did tonight,” said Jessica Jha, a first-year behavioral neuroscience major and alto singer. “We were down three people, but we came back and we did amazing.”
Jha, the group’s treasurer and secretary, said “My Mind” by Yebba was her favorite to sing and perform, calling it “soulful and powerful.”
Next up was Lesley University’s Harmogeddon. The group from Cambridge received a very warm welcome from the audience, which included the other a cappella groups.
Harmoggedon’s first piece was “In the Name of Above,” an original song. It started off quietly and gradually increased in volume until all the members were passionately singing with strong voices. Other songs included “Distance” by Emily King and “Until You Were Gone” by The Chainsmokers.
Christina Labossiere, a soprano, alto and tenor with Harmogeddon, also said she enjoyed the opportunity to perform with three other groups.
“Tonight had me shook,” Labossiere said. “Everything went so well, and I really enjoyed hearing the other groups perform. It was much a welcoming and open atmosphere, and I was inspired by how amazing everyone did tonight.”
Labossiere also thanked Distilled Harmony for hosting the event.
“They’re a great group of musicians that we’re thankful to be friends with,” Labossiere said.
After the members of Harmogeddon made their way off stage, Distilled Harmony returned. This time, they were in all black.
“I forget whose idea it was to change outfits in between songs, but it worked,” said Sean Costello, a fourth-year music industry major and vocal percussionist for Distilled Harmony.
The first song Distilled Harmony performed was “Take the Money and Run,” by OG3NE. It was a fun and spirited song that the crowd loved. The crowd erupted with cheers and whistles when some of the singers knelt and beat the floor with their hands, in rhythm to the melody.
Next was a slower, more emotional piece called “Falls,” by ODESZA followed by “I Have Questions,” by Camila Cabello. The final song was “Never Forget You” by Zara Larsson and MNEK, in which the singers displayed outstanding harmony with each other to end the night on a pleasant, beautiful note.
Distilled Harmony’s set was also the same set they performed at the ICCA quarterfinals Sunday, in which they placed second. They will advance to the semifinals at Boston Symphony Hall on Mar. 4.
Ben Silvers, a second-year music industry major, is also the music director and baritone for Distilled Harmony.
“We went out there and delivered,” Silvers said. “I’m proud that we able to show a product that reflects how hard my team has been working.”
Silvers also said he and the rest of Distilled Harmony were happy to have the other groups perform with them.
“We’ve performed before with all the other groups here tonight, but tonight was especially amazing,” he said. “Everyone had powerful, sassy and [expletive] performances. I’m so proud of everyone, and I’m glad that everyone had a great time.”
Costello was also happy that other groups joined Distilled Harmony for the concert.
“Boston has a beautiful college a cappella scene. We can interact freely with each other and be friendly,” Costello said. “That’s why we were able to host this amazing event like we did tonight.”
Marie Pines, a fifth-year international business major, is an alumna of Distilled Harmony. She called the set “fantastic,” and said the group has gotten even better since past seasons.
“With this set, they do a really good job with timing and transitions, which is not something they’ve focused on as a group in the past,” Pines said. “So, I think this has been a really fresh and interesting and musical approach.”
After the concert, the members of the different groups all mingled with each other and wished each other a successful season and semester.
“We’re all so supportive of each other,” Costello said. “Other college a cappella scenes are not like this, so we all really appreciate it.”
