Orthodox Hymns to the Mother of God by Archangel Voices

November 1, 2013 — Archangel Voices, a professional choir based in New England, under the direction of Vladimir Morosan, has released a new CD entitled “Panagia: Orthodox hymns to the Most Holy Mother of God” (the Virgin Mary is known in the Orthodox Church as “Panagia,” meaning The Most Holy). The CD, sung exclusively in English, features adaptations of works by Russian composers—Chesnokov, Kastalsky, Nikolsky, and Yaichkov, among others, as well as works by American Orthodox composers Kurt Sander, Richard Toensing, and Nazo Zakkak. Many of the tracks are world premiere recordings, and a number of the scores are published by Musica Russica. 

Vladimir Morosan talks about the CD in a recent interview on the program Ancient Faith Presents, a feature of Ancient Faith Radio.

There are also two YouTube videos available for your enjoyment: Chesnokov’s “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord” and the Georgian Wedding Hymn “O Vineyard, Fair and New”—an first-ever English adaptation of the 11th-century Georgian text “Shen khar venakhi.”

Whether you are interested in exploring the rich and abundant Marian repertoire of the Eastern Orthodox Church or are simply wanting to hear some beautiful, seldom heard choral music, this CD offers a unique resource.