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!" |
