Shara Nova’s choral music will draw in an audience and sustain their attention to the very last note. How does she do it? With invention, creativity, vocal orchestration, sharp attentiveness to timbral color, emotional intensity, and a delicious dash of dissonance, when appropriate. She keeps you on your toes; you know the journey you are on is going to be a good one. There will be surprises, joy, relief, truth, and beauty, all bound together in a tight, well-crafted score.
We are thrilled to welcome her to the Graphite catalog. Enjoy the interview! Keep scrolling to discover Shara’s piece that pairs beautifully with Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols.”
How did you discover your voice as a composer?
We create the world with our words and a choir is a powerful way to cast a vision for what might be. There are times I am the teacher, gently prodding, challenging, confronting the audience.
Other times, I am the scientist, testing the limits to see how far I can push an element, which is to say a collection of voices, in experimenting with sound. At other times, I am a bard simply marking ritual, drawing attention to the passing of time.
“Winter Hymns” was for me about not forcing a feeling of jubilation in December, as that time of year is often laden with grief. I wanted to comfort those in distress in the idea that their departed loved ones are nearby with the old adage ‘when cardinals appear spirits are near.’
What would you like choral conductors to know about your work?
Give me a thematic puzzle as a beginning and I’m happy! For songs that already exist, I am a singer myself, and care very deeply about vocal health, and thus intentionally write my music to feel like vocalises. I want the music to feel very good, not just sound good. My music often has some unique rhythmic challenges that are hopefully exciting.
Talk about “Winter Hymns.” What was your process for bringing these to life?
The premiere was paired with Ceremony of Carols, so I was thinking a lot about the Britten, how to contrast and compliment that cycle, and what I might add that was non-religious, more inclusive to a multicultural choir and community.
The beauty of the evergreen tree in winter as a gathering place for many kinds of birds seemed like a good metaphor. Celebrating the feeling of togetherness and then noticing which people are no longer with us in the body can bring such sadness, so I wanted to offer a time of remembering the departed, weeping, and also hopefully feeling the comfort of the bright cardinal as a symbol that our dear ones are closer than they seem.
Winter Hymns
Shara Nova (Blue Sword Publishing)
Difficulty: 3
Duration: 10-20 min.
Available for SSA & piano,
SSA, piano and viola, or
SSA, harp and viola.
Each of the four movements are also available to be performed individually.
What about “I Have Never Loved Someone?” What would you like to share about that piece?
“I Have Never Loved Someone” was a song I wrote for my son, at the time my grandmother was transitioning from this life. It has a “Runaway Bunny” kind of theme that no matter what you do or become, I always love you. It adds onto that even in life storms, you are still loved even if it doesn’t feel like you are. I don’t think the song is necessarily about family so much as it is a song of the universal and unconditional nature of pure love.
I Have Never Loved Someone (The Way I Love You)
Shara Nova (Blue Sword Publishing)
Difficulty: 3
Duration: 3-5 min.
Available for SATB div. a cappella or SSAA a cappella
What else would you like to share with choral conductors in general?
The power of coming together to sing can change both the singer and the world! Choir took me to Europe at 13 years old for competitions, and hearing choirs from around the world, experiencing other cultures forever shaped the trajectory of my life.
I’m forever grateful to my own high school choral director for giving me Samuel Barber, Rutter, Bach at such an early age, and offering the escape, transcendence, safe place that exists in collective singing. May you be encouraged that your labors are of highest value!
About the Composer
Shara Nova is a composer, vocalist, and producer currently creating from Detroit, Michigan. Shara has released six albums under the moniker My Brightest Diamond and has composed works for The Crossing, Conspirare, iSing Silicon Valley, yMusic, Brooklyn Rider, Nadia Sirota, Cantus Domus, Nordic Voices, Brooklyn Youth Chorus, Roomful of Teeth, Aarhus Symfoni, Oregon Symphony, North Carolina Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, American Composers Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, and the Detroit Opera Educational touring company, among others.
Learn more and explore more of Shara Nova’s music!
Shara Nova also has a new album out, as My Brightest Diamond, and her song “Rocket in My Pocket” is a favorite of Jocelyn’s. “This Is My Hand” is also amazing. Shara has a wonderful presence on Instagram!
Our Contributing Editor
Jonathan Campbell, BA, MSM, DMA, currently serves as Director of Music at Zion Lutheran Church, Anoka, MN., and is a Contributing Editor for Graphite Publishing. His music publishers include Augsburg Fortress, Concordia, Morningstar, GIA, Sacred Music Press, and Falls House. He won first prize in the Morningside Choral Composition Contest and was also awarded a Faith Partner’s Residency with the American Composer’s Forum. Jonathan has served many churches, conducted the Chorale of the Honors Choirs S.E. MN for eight years, and has served on the faculties of Winona State University, Augsburg University, and Pomona College.
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