[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   I caught a scene from the movie Spartacus the other day. The character played by Tony Curtis was asked to perform a song. He then proceeded to speak ...

Acappellago Concert 12/6/2009 Naperville Congregational Church

When I was in high school (2007–2011), I sang in a student organization called The Midnight Men, a group that has been active since 2007. For years, the ensemble has used an arrangement of Irish Blessing to welcome new members and bid farewell to graduati...  moreWhen I was in high school (2007–2011), I sang in a student organization called The Midnight Men, a group that has been active since 2007. For years, the ensemble has used an arrangement of Irish Blessing to welcome new members and bid farewell to graduating seniors. After nearly two decades of performing the same version, my former high school director, Matt Wanner, reached out to me in 2026 with the opportunity to create a new arrangement of this cherished tradition. In writing this setting, I sought to create something both accessible and meaningful, while providing opportunities to feature students, whether graduating seniors or gifted soloists, in a special way. It is my hope that this arrangement will become a meaningful part of the ensemble’s tradition and hold a special place in the hearts of its members for many years to come.  less

http://chor.helbling-verlag.de/?pagename=product&product=C7518 Chris Artleys Vertonung von Psalm 149 gewann den ersten Preis des XII. Internationalen Kompositionswettbewerbes Jihlava/Tschechien 2014. Dieses sehr gefällige Chorstück ist durch jazzige R...  morehttp://chor.helbling-verlag.de/?pagename=product&product=C7518 Chris Artleys Vertonung von Psalm 149 gewann den ersten Preis des XII. Internationalen Kompositionswettbewerbes Jihlava/Tschechien 2014. Dieses sehr gefällige Chorstück ist durch jazzige Rhythmen und Akkordik gekennzeichnet, durch eingängige Melodien, einen fugierten Abschnitt, dramatische Orgelpassagen und einen „coolen“ A-cappella-Abschnitt. __________________ http://www.helblingchoral.com/?pagename=product&product=C7518 Chris Artley’s setting of Psalm 149 won first prize in the XIIth International Composers Competition Jihlava 2014, in the Czech Republic. This very accessible choral piece includes, jazzy rhythms and chords, catchy melodic writing, a fugal section, dramatic organ accompaniments, as well as a “cool” a cappella section.  less

Matthew Orlovich's "Tides of Ocean," Sunday, 3/15/15, Congregational Church of Batavia.

From Acappellago's December 2011 concert. Northern Hemisphere premiere of: "If Christ had been Born in Another Time" by Matthew Orlovich

Te Deum Chamber Choir www.te-deum.org Live performance, November 16, 2015 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, MO

http://chor.helbling-verlag.de/?pagename=product&product=C7241 Die Magie der Weihnacht und der Menschwerdung Gottes ist in diesem bewegenden O magnum mysterium von Chris Artley direkt in die Musik übergegangen. Mit dem sich ruhig aufbauenden Stimmen, ...  morehttp://chor.helbling-verlag.de/?pagename=product&product=C7241 Die Magie der Weihnacht und der Menschwerdung Gottes ist in diesem bewegenden O magnum mysterium von Chris Artley direkt in die Musik übergegangen. Mit dem sich ruhig aufbauenden Stimmen, während die Worte "O magnum" wiederholt werden, beginnt dieses Chorstück, das Artley für den Nelson Summer School Choir komponierte. Fast balladenhaft setzt der Sopran mit der eingängigen Melodie ein, ruhig begleitet vom restlichen Chor, um das wunderbare Ereignis der Geburt Jesu im mehrfach wieder erklingenden, gemeinsamen Alleluia zu feiern. The magic of Christmas and the incarnation of Jesus have been directly blended in the music of this moving O magnum mysterium by Chris Artley. This choral piece, which Artley composed for the Nelson Summer School Choir, begins with the voices arranged calmly arising while the words "O magnum" are reiterated. The soprano enters with an unostentatious melody in an almost ballad-like manner quietly accompanied by the res...    less

Toronto Mendelssohn Choir has released a new podcast.  TMC Conductor Noel Edison, Associate Conductor Matthew Otto and Music Broadcaster Rick Phillips discuss the all Brahms program that will launch the TMC's 11/12 season on November 9th at Koerner H...

Te Deum Chamber Choir www.te-deum.org Live Performance, November 10, 2012 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, MO