The choirs of Bakersfield College came together at St. John’s Lutheran Church to present an evening of music for the community.

“I was very pleased with the performance, and so were my students. I have heard nothing but favorable comments from audience members, most of whom were musicians,” said Ronald Kean, who has been director of choral activities for the past 17 years.

“The goal of music making, to me is to make meaningful connections with students, with the audience, and the planet through the artful rehearsal and performance of truly great music.”

The Oct. 21 event featured BC’s Chamber Singers and Soloists performing songs by recognized masters such as Brahms, Britten, and Bruckner.

Kean was inspired by one of the pieces to title the concert “Shining Night: Music of the Masters.”

“‘Shining Night’ was chosen because I thought that it best represented the main composition of the concert, Morten Lauridsen’s, ‘Lux Aeterna,’ which means ‘Eternal Light’ in Latin,” said Kean.

The overall theme of all the compositions in the concert was healing and carried a special message.

“We dedicated the concert event to those in need of healing, especially the Ramirez family from Arvin who lost both of their sons to the work-related injuries at a compost plant in Lamont the week of the concert,” said Kean.

Next up for the BC choir is a concert on Dec. 2 that will feature traditional holiday music from around the world. The Clipper Club of Bakersfield is sponsoring the annual event.