This eclectic collection contains six diverse gems for female singers. "Freedom Come"is in the style of a South African freedom song: creating an atmosphere in which hope can increase, healing can occur, and connections to our common humanity can be strengthened. "Waly, Waly" is a masterful setting of a well-loved, Scottish ballad that is rich in harmonic texture. "Poor Wayfaring Stranger" is a beautiful arrangement of an American folk hymn written for the Brigham Young University Women's Chorus. "Melodijas" is a Latvian text by J. Sudrabkalns wherein musical concepts become metaphors for the complexities of life. Peteris Barisons's arrangement enhances the meaning of the text while simultaneously evoking rich, warm tone and expressive delivery. "Sulle Mulle" features Barbershop-style singing, composed by Alo Ritsing, esteemed teacher, composer and conductor at the Heino Eller Music School in Estonia. Finally, "Wana Baraka" is a popular, religious Kenyan song, arranged by Shawn Kirchner to express the quality of joy and improvisation that comes with spontaneous music-making.

Songlist: Freedom Come, Waly, Waly, Poor Wayfaring Stranger, Melodijas, Wana Baraka

Concordia Choir : Beauty in the World   

Conductor Rene Clausen is very well known to us for the work he has done with Moorhead MN's Concordia Choir, as Artistic Director of the Emmy-winning Concordia Christmas Concerts, and for over 100 of his own compositions for choirs at all levels. "Beauty in the World" features 13 songs, from the powerful Swahili folk tune "Wana Baraka," Ysaye M. Barnwell's lovely, haunting "Wanting Memories" the powerful Folk song "Dulaman" and the accompanied Irish Folk song "The Little Beggarman" to the accompanied, Clausen-arranged Civil War camp song "Tenting on the Old Campground," the powerful percussion-accompanied Kitana Folk song "Noel," Herbert Mahelona's lovely "No Ka Beauty O Hohokohau," Juris Karlsons' "Rotala" and the F. Melius Christiansen-arranged "Praise to the Lord," each of these songs is a choral masterwork, a vocal symphony if you will. The Choir has deep, powerful harmonies, soaring leads and tremendous feeling and spirit. Don't miss this collection!

Songlist: Wana Baraka, Wanting Memories, Dulaman, The Little Beggarman, John Saw Duh Numbuh, When Jesus Wept, Tenting On The Old Campground, Noel, No Ka Beauty O Honokohau, The King of Love, Danny Boy, Rotala, Praise to the Lord

An upbeat Kenyan religious folk song that will be a concert favorite for any season of the year. The arrangement builds with great excitement leading to an extensive rhythmic play on the word alleluya. The short text is Kenyan; a pronunciation guide is included.