Magen Solomon

Review: The SFCA has been delighting Bay Area audiences since 1985 with their perfectly-balanced blend of 24 voices, fresh and unusual song selection and elegant presentation of choral classics and new music by contemporary composers. Magen Solomon has been Music Director of the group since 1995, and she also directs the Oakland Symphony Chorus. "Music Among Friends" celebrates the ties of this chamber ensemble with the "lively community of local composers who have generously shared their wonderful music with us." 16 of these 22 works, chosen from live performances of the last 5 years, are by Bay Area composers, many are world premieres and several others have never been commercially recorded. Some of our favorites are a pair by Russell Burnham, "The Dance" and "Sonnet 4: O You Tender Ones," Paul Chihara's "Lie Lightly, Gentle Earth," Allen Shearer's dissonant gem "The Marriage," John Kelley's poignant "When You Are Old," Paul Crabtree's "First and Last Kiss," Wm. Hawley's soaring "Vita de la mia vita," Robert Starey's surprising, powerful "It Is an Easy Thing," Kirke Mechem's beautiful "Loveliest of Trees," Halsey Stevens' "Go, Lovely Rose," Conrad Susa's "The Gallant One" and "The Kings of the Deck" and the lovely hymn, "In the Valley." There is occasional accompaniment, but mostly wonderful a cappella harmonies from this polished, talented ensemble. We loved every cut of "Music Among Friends!"

Songlist: The Dance, Salve Regina, Charm Me Asleep, Sonnet 4: O You Tender Ones, Lolas Epitaph, Lie Lightly Gentle Earth, Sound Of The Sea, The Marriage, Vita De La Mia Vita, When You Are Old, First And Last Kiss, It Is An Easy Thing, A Critical Success, Go Lovely Rose, Lovliest Of Trees, The Gallant One, The Kings Of The Deck, Landscape, O Little Town, In The Valley, Awit Sa Panginoon, Coventry Carol

Review: A Christmas collection that attempts to narrow the gap between the music most performed (that written before 1900) and the vibrant work of living, working composers. "So gracious" the aptly-named Choral Artists combined beloved classics, fresh and original arrangements of traditional melodies, and some of their favorite (and previously unrecorded) works of Bay Area Composers. Favorites are Laurie Lee's powerful "Twelfth Night," Fenno Heath's flawless arrangements of "I Wonder as I Wander" and "What Child is This?," Herbert Bielawa's "Sweet Was the Song," William Billings' lilting, joyous "A Virgin Unspotted," "Ave Maria" and "Silent Night," both arranged by David Conte, Roger Nixon's 3-part "Wonders of Christmas" particularly "Christmas Greeting," Wm. Dawson's fine spiritual "Hail Mary!," John Stephenson's powerful "Milford" and Ruth Thornhill's "Snowfall," arranged by Gene Puerling. The eclectic and engaging "So gracious" touches, surprises and delights us with every song!

Songlist: Twelfth Night, I Wonder As I Wander, What Child Is This, Sweet Was The Song, In The Bleak Midwinter, A Virgin Upspotted, Sanctus, Almighty Father, Ave Maria, Glory To God In The Highest, Ave Maria, Virga Jesse Flourit, O Magnum Mysterium, Ave Maria, Wonders Of Christmas, Milford, Sherburne, Hail Mary, Deck The Halls, Snowfall, Silent Night