Graceful harmonies fill the air as Paly Choir members perform “Somewhere” at their “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” Valentine’s Day Concert, directed by Paly choir teacher Michael Najar.

The concert, which was given in two performances at the Student Center on Wednesday, showcased several talented soloists from Beginning and Concert Choirs, Madrigal Singers, Spectrum Singers, The Viking Men’s Chorus, Heartbeats, and even the Jordan Middle School Choir.

Proceeds from ticket sales and raffle ticket sales will be used to fund the choir’s annual summer international tour, which takes place in Mexico this year, according to Najar.

Besides showcasing its talented choir groups, the choral program presented numerous solos and duets at the concert. Notable performances included “Quando Men Vo,” sung by Kate Fruchterman, “Flower Song,” sung by Theda Howard and Karen Heinselman, and the concert’s stunning finale, “Witness” performed by the Concert Choir.

“This is a unique concert for us because it’s very solo oriented, said Concert Choir, Madrigal and Heartbeats singer Beth Nitzan. “I’m always really impressed with the soloists because in a choir you don’t get to hear individuals, and they all sound amazing.”

Choir members were also given the unique opportunity to conduct certain songs.

“A highlight for me was conducting ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love,’ Nitzan said. “It’s a different kind of performance than I’m used to and makes me think about choral music in a different way.”

A crowd favorite was the Men’s Chorus performance of “Always Look on the Brightside of Life,” an entertaining piece complete with hilarious lyrics, whistling and even dancing.

Najar also presented the Gitty Batmen Jazz Trio, which gave its debut performance at the concert, playing “My Funny Valentine”. The trio, named after its members Matt Segall, Ben Sklaroff, and Evan Gitterman, also played during the concert’s intermission.

Unlike other concerts given by the choir program, the Valentine’s Day concert featured a wide selection of fun pieces ranging from pop songs to lively selections from various musicals, including Rent and Wicked.

“It’s also really fun to do some of the pop songs since we don’t usually do them during the rest of the year,” Nitzan said.

Audience members were seated at several different tables arranged in a cafe setting rather than typical theater rows, giving the room a cozy, intimate setting. The audience snacked on Valentine’s Day treats laid out on each table as they listened to the choir’s talented performers.

“This concert is planned by the choir staff, so we have to get all the decorations and food and everything together,” Nitzan said. “This year a lot of choir members baked stuff and we had coffee donated by Peets, so it turned out a lot better than last year.”

Audience members were also invited to donate to the choir program by purchasing raffle tickets. The raffle, which included prices such as gift certificates to various restaurants and stores, also offered a unique grand prize, a private interior design consultation.

The Paly Choral Program’s next performance, an end-of-the-year concert, will take place on May 2.