I Thank You God was commissioned by the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and premiered at the National ACDA Convention in February, 1999. The text is adapted from the E.E. Cummings poem of the same name. Composer Gwyneth Walker writes: "Thi...  moreI Thank You God was commissioned by the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and premiered at the National ACDA Convention in February, 1999. The text is adapted from the E.E. Cummings poem of the same name. Composer Gwyneth Walker writes: "This is a poem of grandeur and of praise. Therefore it might be expected that this musical setting would aim at vastness, grandeur and awakening." Walker accomplishes this through a variety of means. First, the piano introduction includes slowly unfolding piano arpeggios which focus on open intervals of octaves, fifths and fourths, exploiting the full range of the piano keyboard. The composer also takes the singers on a harmonic journey which begins in a low register in C minor, and then travels through a number of other key areas until it reaches the distant key of G-flat. At this point, the voices are drawn closely together into a tone cluster containing the pitches G-flat, A-flat and B-flat, only to open apart into the glorious C major chords which conclude the ...    less

VokalArs, an all-female music group, started rehearsing at the end of 2004 with the intention of consolidating a professional chamber size Choir who would offer unconventional, high artistical quality concerts. Its components are professionals, whether si...  moreVokalArs, an all-female music group, started rehearsing at the end of 2004 with the intention of consolidating a professional chamber size Choir who would offer unconventional, high artistical quality concerts. Its components are professionals, whether singers or related to other areas of music or those who, despite having another occupation, have a solid musical background and an extense vocal and choral experience. The unique sonority of a female group of singers, usually a capella, has been widely explored throughout the history of music by many composers from all times, both male and female. Examples of such music can be found from the Middle Ages up to contemporary music; however it is not until Romanticism that works are composed specifically for female Choirs. Thus, a particular genre is born that will keep its own entity up to the present times. This genre has been especially cultivated as of late by female artists and composers. Both aspects, that is presenting works written for female Choir as well ...    less

[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   There is a lack of men in many community Choirs (Why men won’t sing).     The Tenor by Paul Helm   One of the results of th...

Founded in 1967 and based in Paisley, this female Choir is actively involved in concert, festival and competition work across Scotland, and further afield. The group has appeared in a wide range of prestigious venues and has performed with many other ch...  moreFounded in 1967 and based in Paisley, this female Choir is actively involved in concert, festival and competition work across Scotland, and further afield. The group has appeared in a wide range of prestigious venues and has performed with many other Choirs and ensembles throughout the years.  

Our collective history began in 1936 when Vladislav Sokolov (who was a a graduate of the Moscow Conservatory) created a children's Choir, which is almost 70 years was a model of Russian choral art throughout the Soviet Union and in many foreign countries ...  moreOur collective history began in 1936 when Vladislav Sokolov (who was a a graduate of the Moscow Conservatory) created a children's Choir, which is almost 70 years was a model of Russian choral art throughout the Soviet Union and in many foreign countries . 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Professor Sokolov, in the anniversary concert attended Choir, consisting of pupils of children's Choir. After the speech the former pupils of children's Choir - people of different professions and ages , realized that they all share a love of music and choral singing , decided not to leave, and formed a new team . Our first CD-drive, consisting of 19 works of Russian and foreign classics, Russian folk songs, songs by modern composers, was recorded in 2013. Our Choir took part in competitions and festivals in Russia, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Ireland, Belgium where repeatedly became the winner.  less