Treble Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Kourtney R. Austin, invites the community to experience an evening of joy, strength, and celebration with its spring concert, “Happiness Is…” The performance will take place on Thursday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Annett Recital Hall at the Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts. Admission is free and open to the public. 

This concert also serves as the official kickoff event for ArtsFest 2025 and will be preceded by a public cake and coffee reception at 6:30 p.m. in the Lowe Center Lobby. 

With Andrew McDonald at the piano and special guests from UW-La Crosse’s Musical Theatre and Opera Scenes, this lively and heartfelt program explores the many dimensions of happiness through music. 

The program celebrates the happiness of singing, (Cantate Domino by Hans Leo Hassler), family (Old Grandma from Women on the Plains, arranged by Alice Parker), catching fireflies (Hotaru Koi, arr. Ro Ogura), coffee (Java Jive by Ben Oakland, arr. Ed Lojeski) and being independent (Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now by Marc Shaiman (from Hairspray) to note just a few of the repertoire’s themes. 

Dr. Austin, who leads the Treble Chorus, describes the ensemble as a unique gathering of students from all walks of campus life, united by their shared love of singing. “We have students from all over campus singing in the Treble Chorus, and it is especially gratifying to bring all those different career paths together for the purpose of making music,” she says. Their repertoire spans genres, styles, and historical periods, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From Renaissance motets to vocal jazz, this dynamic group embraces diversity in both membership and musical expression. 

Beyond the Treble Chorus concert, Dr. Austin continues to enrich the campus music scene. On May 6th, she will direct the department’s newest small ensemble in "Dramatic Delights: Songs from the Stage and Screen," a special studio performance showcasing students in a dazzling collection of musical theatre and opera scenes. As a passionate advocate for expanding the voice program at UW, Dr. Austin has encouraged new opportunities for students to explore their talents through NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) auditions, young artist opera programs, and community theatre productions. 

ArtsFest is an annual celebration of creativity and talent at the university, offering audiences the chance to experience an array of performances by the school's gifted students. Dr. Austin believes events like this are vital for both the campus and the broader community. “We have so many exceptionally gifted people in the VPA (School of Visual & Performing Arts), and I think it is wonderful for us to share the remarkable abilities of our students with the community,” she says. “We have concerts and events all year long, but to package multiple events into a festival-like atmosphere makes it fun for both the performers and the audiences.” 

Happiness Is… is presented as part of ArtsFest 2025, UW-La Crosse’s annual celebration of creativity across the visual and performing arts. This concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit uwlax.edu/vpa. 

What: UWL Treble Chorus Concert 
When: Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. 
Where: Annett Recital Hall, Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts 
Admission: Free and open to the public. 
More Info: Contact the music department at 608.785.8409