Splendid. While 40+ girls make up the choir; their tone, timber, resonance is mesmerizingly unified. Harmonies are sweet and understated, they are not the star, it's more the arrangement, the undulating whole supporting the prominent melody, the slides between tones, and ultimately the syrupy reverberating color. Segerstrom Hall undoubtedly contributes to that lofty heavenly resonance.

I came for the quartet, which did not disappoint, but the choir completely mesmerized me. These were voices, but they enchanted me into meditation, like crystal singing bowls.

At first the choir and quartet took turns until they spiraled into complementing each other. The pieces they played included more modern curious compositions (perhaps challenging for some) and traditional familiar arrangements. I enjoyed that mix.

The absolutely solid music is accented by tasteful light design and simple, yet, graceful stage blocking. The young women pull across the stage a flowing blue cloth sheet in waves that reflect light like satin and suggest the look and feel of a glowing pool of water.

Elegant.

Alas, this performance sweetly topping a long day, I misread the program and inadvertently exited at intermission which felt like a strong quiet ending. To be fair to me, the first half had 11 pieces listed and only one after the intermission. I bet that last one was a gem. I look forward to attending its next performance.

This was my first experience at Segerstrom Center for the Arts which is a royal collection of majestically architected venues. At the spiraling building across from our music experience, a ballet danced, country music to the west, and a stage hosting live shows to the east. Segerstrom offers a classic and beautiful experience, even before you sit down to enjoy one of the performances they offer.

The Philharmonic Society fosters an appreciation for music by presenting national and international performances of the highest quality while also providing dynamic and innovative music education programs for individuals of all ages (free of charge). Learn more and/or donate: www.philharmonicsociety.org.