GIG HARBOR. WA — Jean Kopta has enjoyed a rich musical career. She has taught voice lessons, directed choirs and sang in the Seattle Opera Chorus. But it’s her musical involvement in Gig Harbor, now that she’s retired, that she says beats all those experiences. Kopta, who lives in Olalla, is the founder of the […]

Lewis University will present Philip Spencer, Professor and Director of the Choral and Vocal Music at Joliet Junior College, with the 2011 St. Genesius Award at its annual Arts Gala, to be held Saturday, March 5, on the Lewis campus on Route 53 in Romeoville. Noted for his accomplishments as a music educator, conductor, composer […]

BBC Radio Norfolk’s new Choir of the Year competition has received backing from the Diocese of Norwich. Created by Sunday Breakfast presenter Emma Philpotts, it looks to uncover the best choral group in the county. The winner will perform at a Christmas carol concert in Norwich Cathedral on 5 December 2011, and at Norwich Theatre […]

by Thomas Huizenga Thomas Jefferson was a fiddler. Harry Truman played piano. Bill Clinton works the saxophone. But choral conductor and educator Judith Clurman makes them all sing. Clurman commissioned 16 contemporary composers to write short choral pieces based on the words of American presidents for a cycle she calls Mr. President. In celebration of […]

Pembroke, MA — Erica Washburn of Pembroke has been named director of choral activities at New England Conservatory. Washburn, who has been serving as interim director since fall 2009, has led NEC performances of the “Requiem” and “Oratorio de Noel,” works of Irving Fine, Charles Ives, and a premiere by Anthony Maglione based on Edgar […]

By K. NANCOO-RUSSELL FREEPORT, THE BAHAMAS — As the Grand Bahama Youth Choir gears up to celebrate its second anniversary, the organization announced that it will be launching a junior arm and will begin auditions today. Students ages 7-12 will have the chance to try out for one of 35-40 spots, director Kevin Tomlinson explained. […]