Co-Conductors Roberta Q. Jackson and Debra R. Burgess have led the 168-strong PSG to its current status as one of the finest children's choirs in the US, widely acclaimed by composers, conductors and audiences. Composed of five ensembles, all of whom benefit from Jackson and Burgess' unique collaborative approach to artistry and teaching; the PSG was awarded the prestigious ASCAP/Chorus America Award for Adventurous Programming, and the conductors continue to commission new works for PSG ensembles each season. They also created "Music in the Making," an annual Girlchoir event, hosting guest composers, conductors and area school and community choirs. "Stars" is a wonderful collection of 19 lightly accompanied live performances from 2005-2007 by the 5 ensembles, individually and combined. Some favorites are the soaring, dramatic "Kayama & Ademus" (from Songs of Sanctuary by Karl Jenkins), the Stephen Hatfield-commissioned a cappella spiritual "First to Know," Bob Chilcott's "Benedictus" (from A Little Jazz Mass), Lee Kesselman's "Hwayana yaMwari" (Agnus Dei from Shona Mass), Eleanor Dale's "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," Mozart's "Papageno, Papagena Duet" (from the Magic Flute), Irving Berlin's "I Love a Piano," the lovely folk song "Away From the Roll of the Sea," James Rankin's "Fare Thee Well, Love" and the final cut, Keith Hampton's "Praise His Holy Name." From beginning to end, the aptly named "Stars that sing..." is a beautiful recording that touches and moves us! |
