Stewart Theatre was filled to the brim with angelic voices and exceptional harmonies Saturday night at the annual Ladies in Red — NC State’s all-female a cappella group — fall concert.

The show began with a welcoming applause from an anticipating audience when the group first entered the stage, performing “End of Time” by Beyoncé. This year, the Ladies in Red brought a new theme to the stage — “redefine.” This semester marks a redefining moment for the all-female singing group, which has gained seven new members this semester, and brought a refreshing new sound to the fall performance. Union Activities Board concert chair Jordan Williams talked about the all-female a cappella group’s show.

“I love the arrangement [of the concert],” Williams said. “The ladies have improved from last year’s concert — they have a more fun energy this time around. It’s been a great show.” 

The Ladies in Red introduced the theme of redefining with a video showcasing what Ladies in Red means to each member, and the personal growth they have gained from being a part of the Ladies in Red community. Afterwards, the group formally introduced each and every member by sharing her academic year, major and year being a part of the Ladies in Red.

The concert itself was broken up into two acts, the first act with more contemporary music and apparel, as each performer was clad in jeans and a T-shirt. The second act was more formal, as the group flaunted fancy red dresses. In both acts, Ladies in Red performed songs from a plethora of musical genres, including rock, pop and rhythm and blues, displaying a lush soundscape lathering the audience with a sweet sound that was both powerful and crisp in nature. The performances, no matter the tempo, each held an enthusiastic energy that captivated the audience from beginning to end.

A sweet surprise, the group also announced their new single “Landslide,” alongside an album announcement — but the surprises didn’t stop there. Ladies in Red also brought in all-male a cappella group the Toccatatones from High Point University as a special treat for audience members. The Toccatatones performed their signature campus song “Cecilia” by Simon and Garfunkel, before announcing the news that they recently dropped a new EP, “Level Up.”

In honor of alumnae, the Ladies in Red performed “Sh-Boom” by the Crew Cuts in the second act, calling for former Ladies in Red members to sing with the current group on stage. … It’s safe to say the alumnae haven’t missed a note.

Ladies in Red alumna Alexis Carson reflected on the sentimental moment.

“It is kind of bittersweet,” Carson said. “I still feel the love, this vibe, this connection —especially for an all-female group, this group got me through some tough times in college. I was involved in all four years in Ladies in Red. They’re awesome they have some great talent.”

At the concert, the a cappella group recognized one of their members who will graduate this semester, Rachel Gamelin, for her work on the concert arrangements. Afterward, the group sang “Happy Birthday,” along with an excited crowd, to member Giuliana Giddings.

As the night came to a close and the ladies began to leave the stage, the audience begged for an encore. The group obliged, breaking out into a strong impromptu performance of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” resulting in a standing ovation.

Elizabeth Galanti, a fifth-year studying fashion and textile management and current president of the Ladies in Red, reflected on the positive outcome of the fall concert.

“I feel amazing,” Galanti said. “It feels great to see your hard work pay off, and to make connections with people.”