Hearts in Harmony

Can you feel the love tonight? You could with the help of the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus, which is currently celebrating two decades of four-part barbershop-style harmonizing. The red-jacketed a cappella group has again embarked on its annual Singing Valentines fundraiser for the chorus, which incorporates costumes and choreography to make each customer encounter extraordinary.  

Inez O’Brien, communications coordinator of the chorus, said the Singing Valentines group has surprised many Central New Yorkers throughout the years. “You name it, we’ve done it,” says O’Brien, 65, who is also a chorus member. Customers can select two jingles out of the six that the group offers: “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “Unforgettable,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” “For Good” from the stage musical Wicked, “The Wind Beneath My Wings,” and “That’s What Friends Are For.” A personalized card and a box of chocolates are included in the $40 price, with the singing performed by a group ranging from four to 10 people.  

O’Brien recalls singing quite a few valentines—“I’ve done at least 100,” she chirps—but none as memorable as when she visited a couple’s house to warble “The Wind Beneath My Wings” to the customer’s husband during a difficult day. The couple started crying as the group sang, and in an effort not to get emotional herself, O’Brien stared at the home’s kitchen cabinets to get through the song. “He said it was the highlight of his day,” O’Brien said. “They were the cutest couple and there was so much love in the room.”

Orders for Singing Valentines can be placed until Monday, Feb. 13, 2 p.m., with the singing to commence from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Visit www.singingvalentines.org or call 673-3074 for details.