For my visitors here with an appreciation for choral music, this post is especially for you.
Recently I was able to move back into a true chamber choir experience. My last two rounds of chamber choir work were somewhat stressed–one by a pandemic pause that became permanent, and the other by a toxic director. It took me a while to identify a group with which I might want to sing. I availed myself of an opportunity to join Seattle’s Harmonia Chorus for their first complete (or nearly complete) a capella (unaccompanied) concert. Though I had sung some of the program’s selections in the past, several were new to me. And every one of them was a delight to sing. I continue to be highly impressed by the work of Harmonia’s multi-talented music director William White.
“Choral Echoes” program notes provide more information. The selection list is below, and I’ve included the video of perhaps the most novel work on the program.
PLYMOUTH UCC CHURCH SEATTLE
Harmonia Chorus
William White, conductor
Sheila Bristow, conductor and organ
Anjali Chudasama, conductor
Program
Jake Runestad (*1986)
Nyon Nyon
Drei Gemischte Chöre
Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
Vier Gesänge, Op. 17
The Lamb
Benjamin Britten (1913–1976)
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30
— intermission —
Ave Maria
Franz Biebl (1906–2001)
Ave Maria
Hear My Prayer O Lord, Z. 15
William White (*1983)
O Clavis David
Pilgrims’ Hymn
Ken Burton (*1970)
A Prayer
Reena Esmail (*1983)
Tuttarana
Spacious Vision 