Dawn Willis

Review: Pride of Vermont since their founding by the renowned Dr. Willis, the 40-strong Bella Voce Women's Chorus brings us a bright, ringing Christmas album of 20 songs, some of them familiar and beloved, like "The Sussex Carol," "Wexford Carol," John Rutter's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," "A La Nanita Nana," the spirituals "Mary Had A Baby" and "Glory and Honor to the Newborn King;" "Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head," "I Wonder As I Wander," the Christmas medley "Christmas Intrada," Benjamin Britten's "This Little Babe" and Brahms' "Ave Maria." and many of them less familiar to us, like "Masters in this Hall," "O My Dear Heart," Eleanor Daley's "What Sweeter Music," "La Virgen Lava Panales," "The Moon of Wintertime," "A la Ru, A la Me" and Steven Rickards' "Angels Did Sing." Most songs have some light to heavy accompaniment, and the lovely, extensive liner notes have all the lyrics.

Songlist: The Sussex Carol, Masters in This Hall, Wexford Carol, O My Dear Heart, Tomorrow Shall be My Dancing Day, A La Nanita Nana, Mary Had A Baby, Jehovah Hallelujah, Glory and Honor to the Newborn King, Christmas Intrada, What Sweeter Music, La Virgen Lava Panales, The Moon of Wintertime, This Little Babe, Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head, I Wonder as I Wander, A la Ru, A la Me, Angels Did Sing, Magnificat

Review: This recording features selections from the seasons including Spring and Summer from Gustav Holst's Two Eastern Pictures; Daniel Hall's haunting Indian Summer with piano and oboe; and a variety of Christmas pieces including Randol Alan Bass' Christmas Flourish and Gloria for women's voices. Glorious Seasons also contains several unaccompanied pieces by Australian composer, Sandra Milliken. A fine recording from this top notch womens choir under the direction of Dawn Willis.

Songlist: Alleluia, Spring, Summer, The Rose of Sharon, Indian Summer, Cantate Domino, Os Justi , El Romanton, Sing Me to Heaven, Veniki, Dona Nobis Pacem, Hodie Christus Natus, Dormi Jesu, I Saw Three Ships, Still, Still, Still , Nativity Carol, Gloria, Christmas Flourish

Review: Founded in 2004 by Dr. Dawn Willis, Bella Voce consists of 40 to 45 auditioned singers, performing existing and newly-commissioned sacred and secular works for women's voices. The ensemble is drawn from four counties throughout Vermont, many of whom also sing in a variety of school, church and community choruses across the region. One of the highlights of the last few years for Bella Voce has included several collaborations with Gwyneth Walker. The members have enjoyed working closely with this gifted composer, whose catalog includes over 170 commissioned works, reflecting both serious and light-hearted musical styles. These 17 works are surprising, refreshing, witty, innovative and inspiring. Some favorites are "Women Should be Pedestals," the dramatic "How Can I Keep From Singing," "Gifts From The Sea," the delicate "Mornings Innocent," the a cappella tune "The Name is Changeless," the joyous "Love Is A Rain of Diamonds," the love song "I Will Be Earth," the lovely a cappella song "So Many Angels," "Walk That Valley," "Never Sit Down," the traditional songs "Crossing the Bar," "Peace I Ask of Thee, O River" and the title tune. There is some light accompaniment on most songs. The beautiful liner notes contain all the lyrics. An uplifting treat from Bella Voce and the wonderful composer Gwyneth Walker, that will touch and move you from beginning to end!

Songlist: How Can I Keep from Singing?, Gifts from the Sea, Let Evening Come, Women Should Be Pedestals, Mornings Innocent, The Name is Changeless, Love is a Rain of Diamonds, In Autumn, I Will Be Earth, I Thank You God, So Many Angels, Walk That Valley, Never Sit Down, Crossing the Bar, Hebrides Lullaby, Peace I Ask of Thee, O River, Now Let Us Sing!