March 24, 2007

Luther College Pike Kor - Finding A Voice

Pike Kor, whose name honors the Norwegian heritage of the college, was established at Luther in 1981. It is comprised of 100 first-year women, selected each fall by audition, who perform a primarily sacred repertoire with a wide range of works composed for women’s voices. Directed by Sandra Peter the choir continues the tradition of one of the nation's finest female choirs. This CD, their first, includes several new works by Libby Larsen, including “Natus est Emmanuel,” commissioned for “Christmas at Luther College”, and “A Young Nun, Singing” premiered by Pike Kor in 2005. Convent motets by Sulpitia Cesis and pieces by Edie Hill, Gwyneth Walker and Eleanor Daley are also featured. Much of the repertoire Pike Kor has performed in recent years has either been composed by women, set to texts by women, or centers around themes related to women. A highly recommended recording 8609 CD 15.95

Posted by acapnews at 12:42 AM

Toronto Children's Chorus - How Sweet The Sound

Jean Ashworth Bartle founded the TCC in 1978, and has been happily developing it into one of the world's great choral ensembles for children. This accompanied (sometimes by piano, massive church organ and other instruments) collection of 19 songs of Christian faith and joy includes such gems as Johann Haydn's "St. Leopold Mass," Debussy's "Noel des enfants," Johannes Brahms' "Ave Maria," Srul Irving Glicks' 3-part "Psalm Trilogy," Kodaly's "Evening Song" and the final cut, Paul Halley's soaring "Freedom Trilogy." This spirited children's chorus reminds us of angels singing these beautiful, inspirational songs - truly lovely! 8605 CD 15.95

Posted by acapnews at 12:16 AM

March 4, 2007

Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus - A Cappella Choral Works

Now for the first time in a long and fruitful association with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Telarc Records has released an cappella album of works by Messiaen, Tallis, Vaughan Williams, Tavener, Duruflé, and Copland by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus without the orchestra. Composed of forty to sixty members selected by audition from the ranks of the renowned 200-member Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, The ASO Chamber Chorus has earned nine GRAMMY Awards for Best Choral Performance. Conducted by Director of Choruses Norman Mackenzie and recorded at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, the large scale and fine acoustics make it an ideal choral recording. 8532 CD 15.95
Listen to "Help Us, O Lord"

Posted by acapnews at 3:24 AM

San Francisco Girls Chorus - Voices of Hope and Peace

Beginning in 2004 with their desire to record "Anne Frank, A Living Voice," written for Chorissima's 25th Anniversary, "Voices" is the result of their search for work by women writers like Frank, who were longing for change in their situations. Joan Szymko's powerful "Vivos Voco" and "Nada Te Turbe" (with text by St. Teresa of Avila (1515-82), "A Hope Carol," and "Echo," which feature wonderful poems by Christina Rossetti (1830-94), and "I Shall Keep Singing," with text by Emily Dickinson, are fine examples. Libby Larsen's "The Womanly Song of God" and "Sing Me to Heaven," with text by Jane Griner, lead us into the lovely, haunting 7-part "Anne Frank, A Living Voice," which touches and moves us on many levels. "Hebrew Rounds for Peace" is an apt choice for the final tune. Light accompaniment throughout, and extensive, colorful liner notes. "Voices" is another beautiful, powerful, well-chosen collection by Susan McMane's talented San Francisco Girls Chorus. 8553 CD 15.95

Posted by acapnews at 3:20 AM

March 3, 2007

Vox Femina - Still I Rise

Los Angeles' 31-strong women's ensemble Vox Femina blew us away with their 2002 debut album "Simply," and we have waited a long time to be able to hold CD #2 in our hot little hands. "Still I Rise," directed by Dr. Iris S. Levine and accompanied by Lisa Edwards on piano, celebrates Vox Femina's 10th anniversary season, highlighting the best of Vox's live performances. The 15 very different songs share fine arranging, flawless performances, and the exciting fact that they are live recordings. The rhythmic opening cut "Odi Odi," the spiritual "Deep River," Hildegard von Bingen and Roger Bourland's "O viridissima virga/Both Page and Pen;" Debussy's "Salut Printemps;" Ysaye M. Barnwell's lovely "Breaths;" Roy Brown's "Sky Dances;" Stuart Stotts' "Music in My Mother's House," Holly Near's "Imagine my Surprise;" Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban's "At the Ballet" and the title tune by Rosephanye Powell are some favorites. But Vox is very special group of women, a bridge-building group, and each of these songs needs to be listened to, appreciated and savored. Besides piano, you might hear some flute, drums, bass, guitar, oboe and zils. Exquisite! 8596 CD 18.95

Posted by acapnews at 3:18 AM