A piece from Jonathan Baltera's graduate conducting recital.

Weaving a spell - Incantation for Pamela - magic for a while... This Song can be understood on two levels. At first sight it is a simple sentimental piece, but beneath it lies a history of pure imagination, enchantment and impossibility. The co...  moreWeaving a spell - Incantation for Pamela - magic for a while... This Song can be understood on two levels. At first sight it is a simple sentimental piece, but beneath it lies a history of pure imagination, enchantment and impossibility. The composer already realises he is no longer feeling what he is writing, he is just weaving a spell, over an ostinato guitar motif, to try to bring the feelings back (hence the title "Incantation"). He has found in his life that whenever he writes a Song for the object of his desire, he has already begun to stop feeling that desire ... it is a sign that the relationship is about to change or disappear. But the whole thing is indeed enchantment and magic: you can dream and you can take the Song at face value if you wish.  less

The earliest known version of Cockles and Mussels was published in London in 1884 by Francis Brothers and Day. The Song is there described as "a comic Song" written and composed by James Yorkston (of Scotland) and arranged by Edmund Forman. Because it is ...  moreThe earliest known version of Cockles and Mussels was published in London in 1884 by Francis Brothers and Day. The Song is there described as "a comic Song" written and composed by James Yorkston (of Scotland) and arranged by Edmund Forman. Because it is noted as printed with permission of an Edinburgh firm, there was clearly an earlier version. Although the Song is the unofficial anthem of Dublin and generally regarded as Irish, it was, in fact, written by a Scotsman. This outdoor performance was the culmination of a six-week project which creates a choir from scratch for one night only. Each winter and summer, Chris Rowbury gathers a random bunch of singers from in and around Ipswich. There are no auditions and all Songs are taught and learnt by ear. Usually eight Songs are learnt in six two-hour sessions and in the summer are performed outdoors near Ipswich. http://chrisrowbury.com  less

This jaunty melody with countermelodies has been written for an a cappella choir of SATBB with splits in some of the voices from time to time. The words are my own and tell of children playing their games in the dusty streets (ie of Bethlehem) unaware tha...  moreThis jaunty melody with countermelodies has been written for an a cappella choir of SATBB with splits in some of the voices from time to time. The words are my own and tell of children playing their games in the dusty streets (ie of Bethlehem) unaware that a miracle has happened and asking them to look up to the angels and join their singing. The performance here is by the Composer's Choir conducted by Daniel Shaw.  

From John Rutter's Requiem. Performed by The Tidewater Singers, William R. Thomas, Director. April 30, 2011 at Christ Church in Cambridge, Maryland.

Salt Lake Vocal Artists under direction of Brady Allred with amazing soloist Clara Hurtado Lee. December 14, 2024

CapriCCio Vocal Ensemble Twas Not the Night Before Christmas Dec. 21, 2012 Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria BC Michael Gormley, music director Timothy Quinlan, video production

"United in Song" this Saturday, May 5th 8:00pm  at St. John Chrysostom Church, 295 Albert St in Arnprior.   So exciting! To help celebrate the choir's 40th Anniversary, The Stairwell Carollers are hosting workshops an...