Bella Voce is a not-for-profit 51-voice-strong Rochester, Minnesota-based young women's choir, directed by founder directed by founder Shelly Winemiller, who is celeerating her 4th season as Bella Voce's Artistic Director. The group is committed to providing access to all their concerts to all members of the community regardless of their ability to pay, and channels donated money to a number of community and humanitarian causes. "Best of Bella" is a rich, live-in-concert collection of 21 wonderful cuts, most of them accompanied by drums, piano or various instruments. Some favorites are "Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal," arranged by Alice Parker, Morten Lauridsens "Dirait-on," John Rutter's "Angels' Carol," Max Reger's "Mary's Cradle Song," Pablo Casals' "Nigra Sum," Carl Schalk's "Before the Marvel of This Night," Benjamin Britten's three "Selections from A Ceremony of Carols, James Mulholland's "Life has Loveliness to Sell," the Moses Hogan-arranged "Music Down In My Soul," Jeffery Ames' "Holy is the Land" and Katie Bart's "The Blessing." This spirited, altruistic ensemble has a beautiful, angelic sound with rich harmonies and strong leads. "Best of Bella" is a lovely winner from one of Minnesota's finest, most talented young women's choirs. Don't miss this one! |