Contemporary Voices
In every concert, Voce seeks to share the musical traditions and expressions of female, transgender, Black, brown, and indigenous composers and communities. Traditionally, these groups have been underrepresented in classical music. We are honored to share their excellence with our audiences — and reflect our audiences’ rich cultural heritage in our programs.
“Beautiful choral voices joined together to…create a magical experience!”
Cheryl K.
“Choral Fantasy” (2021)
Excerpt from a live performance on April 1, 2023 in Vienna, VA.
Voce Chamber Singers
David Mann, conductor
Elliott Godinez, percussionist
“Truth”
This performance of "Truth" by Andrea Ramsey combines the imagery of tree roots and an an empowering message from a mother to her daughter: “You are beautiful, you are enough!”
Excerpt from a live performance on April 2, 2022
David Mann, conductor
Felix Polendey, Ross Hedlund, and Purev Arslan, tenor soloists
“Naiman Sharag”
Naiman sharag translates to "Eight Chesnut Horses." The lyrics tell of the cultural significance of horses to the people of Inner Mongolia. Se Enkhbayar's choral writing brilliantly imitates the patterns of the morin khurr, a traditional bowed string instrument that is considered a symbol of the nation of Mongolia.
“Make Some Noise”
Hear the inspiring call to action by the late Congressman John Lewis in "Make Some Noise, Get In Trouble" composed by Dr. Roland Carter.
This piece was commissioned by Voce and a consortium of choruses through Chorus America. We were honored to bring Dr. Carter's notes off the page for the very first time and proclaim the inspiring words of Congressman Lewis, "Make some noise! Get into trouble. Good trouble. Necessary trouble!"
Excerpt from a live performance on April 2, 2022
David Mann, conductor
CJ Capen, Pianist
Excerpt from a live performance on October 29, 2021
David Mann, conductor
CJ Capen, pianist
“Alchemy”
"Alchemy," by Karen Thomas, is a setting of the Sara Teasdale poem of the same name. We particularly enjoyed the rich, clustered harmonies accompanied by varying rhythmic motifs in the piano.
In partnership with Classical Movements, as part of the Eric Daniel Helms New Music Program, this piece was jointly commissioned by a consortium of choruses to benefit the programs and services of Chorus America.