By John Shryock WASHINGTON, D.C – Most Americans would agree that singing the national anthem is a symbol of patriotism, but what could possibly be the problem with singing it in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol? A Montgomery, Ala. church choir found out the hard way during a trip to the nation’s capital. The […]
Do You Believe in Angels
An ecstatic, transcendently beautiful, melodious and harmonically rich setting for older children’s or treble chorus and high strings. Original non-sectarian, non-religious poem by the composer on the phenomenon of angelic encounters and the common images of both light and dark angels. Bright start, dark energetic middle, luminous ending. Evocative, atmospheric writing for the strings. […]
Bruce Borton takes over Madrigal Choir of Binghamton
BINGHAMPTON, NY — The Madrigal Choir of Binghamton, the select chamber choral ensemble founded by Anne Boyer Cotten in 1978, has announced the selection of Dr. Bruce Borton as the next Artistic Director. Selected after a 20-month search process, Dr. Borton brings a great deal of experience to the podium. He’s Director of Choral activities […]
Victoria Wood stages choir’s story
By Ian Youngs LONDON, UK — In 1925, some 250 working class children from more than 50 schools across Manchester were recruited for a choir that would go down in musical history. They rehearsed twice a week, and by 1929 were deemed good enough to make a recording with the prestigious Halle Orchestra by its […]
Singers of all ages have a single voice
by Hilarie Stelfox HUDDERSFIELD, UK — It’s said there are more choirs in this country than fish and chip shops – and numbers are growing all the time. HILARIE STELFOX reports on the choral phenomenon and meets the members of Huddersfield’s latest all-ages vocal ensemble WHEN music teacher Alison North advertised for members of a […]
Fans keep sacred harp alive
By Verna Gates BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – The sound defies mere singing, pulsing though the church sanctuary with sufficient force to put hell on alert. For three days this month singers from the United States, Canada and Britain gathered to celebrate an Elizabethan-era form of sacred choral music that took root and is preserved in the […]