Nancy Menk

Review: On the leading edge of the choral art, The Saint Mary's College Women's Choir, under the leadership of conductor Dr Nancy Menk, have assembled a program featuring fine new music from many of the most talked-about new choral composers. American composers William Hawley, Michael Sitton, Frank Ferko and Gwyneth Walker, and Finnish composer Jaakko Mantyjarvi, are just some of the names we'll be hearing about in fine choral music for this generation and the next. The works of these composers, as well as some classics, are assembled and presented here by one of the finest collegiate women's choirs in the U.S.

Songlist: Ave Maria, Song of Ezekiel, Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei, Salut Printemps, Regina Caeli, Alma Redemptoris Master, Standchen, Opus 135, Esto Les Digo, Ave Regina Coelorum, O salutaris Hostia, Bright Morning Stars are Rising, Balestard, Alley Cat Love Song, Music Down in my soul, Crossing the Bar, The Bells of Saint Mary's

Review: Pride of South Bend, Indiana's Saint Mary's College, this talented 35-voice choir commissions performs and publishes new works for women's voices (The Saint Mary's College Choral Series, published by earthsongs). Touring nationally to acclaim, "Anima" is the group's third excellent recording. 17 songs, Randal Stroope's "Magnificat," Imant Raminsh's "In The Beginning," Wm. Hawley's "Salve Regina," Paul Carey's "When I Bring You Colour'd Toys" and two by Gwyneth Walker, "Walk That Valley" and "So Many Angels!" are particularly wonderful. We also enjoyed a beautifully arranged "Over the Rainbow" and the group's trademark "The Bells of Saint Mary's." Some light accompaniment, and a nice liner notes booklet with information about the group and the songs. Lovely!

Songlist: Magnificat, O Sacrum Convivium, In the Beginning, Artsa Alinu, Sursum Corda, Mass No. 6 for Treble Voices, Salve Regina, Sanctus, Over the Rainbow, The Road Home, When I Bring to You Colour'd Toys, Walk That Valley, So Many Angels!, The Bells of Saint Mary's