Voce celebrates the history of choral music through familiar works. When set in juxtaposition with newer music, we can better appreciate the sounds of the past and present.
Choral Favorites
“The ensemble was superb in every way…a ‘diamond among rare gems’ in your community and state.”
Z. Randall Stroope | composer, conductor
“Divine Spark” (2024)
“Oratorio de Noël”
Camille Saint-Saëns premiered his Oratorio de Noël in 1858 at the Church of La Madeleine in Paris. Our choral excerpts from this beloved masterwork include the biblical scene of angels announcing the news of Jesus’ birth to shepherds, a fiery psalm text declaring the futility of earthly rulers, and a closing chorus that alludes to the wisemen and shepherds bringing gifts to the manger.
Excerpt from a live performance on December 10, 2023
Brad Cypher, baritone
Neil Weston, organ
David Mann, conductor
Jonathan Toomer, violin
Emilie Flores, violin
Robert Salzberg, viola
Anna Kobylski, cello
Mark Stephenson, double bass
“Credo”
Margaret Bonds completed the piano-vocal version of Credo in 1965 and premiered this version in Washington D.C. at Georgetown University in 1967. In Credo, Bonds masterfully sets a challenging prose text with a richness in harmony and forceful declamation that incorporates idioms of black folk music alongside classical forms. Bonds’ stunning use of harsh dissonances juxtaposed against jazz-inspired melodies help to embody the vision of racial justice and hope found within W.E.B. Du Bois’ 1904 civil rights manifesto.
Excerpt from a live performance on October 15, 2023
Ellen Broetzmann, soprano
Purev Arslan, baritone
Neil Weston, keyboard artist
David Mann, conductor
“I, Too”
This piece entitled, "I, too" features Langston Hughes' poem highlighting issues of prejudice and representation in American society. The composer, Undine Smith Moore, was a native of Virginia and a prolific 20th-century composer and educator. In reference to her experience growing up in rural Virginia, Moore commented that “One of the most evil effects of racism in my time was the limits it placed upon the aspirations of blacks, so that though I have been creating music all my life...I would not have thought of calling myself a composer or aspiring to be one.” This choral piece features Moore’s typically brilliant and stirring harmonies with Hughes’ defiant but hopeful poetry: "I, too, sing America!"
Excerpt from a live performance on October 15, 2023
Neil Weston, keyboard artist
David Mann, conductor
“The Coolin”
Voce celebrates PRIDE with our recording of Reincarnations No. 3 "The Coolin" by LGBTQ+ composer, Samuel Barber. This work depicts a romantic love deeper than words can express.
Samuel Barber was a 20th century American composer, perhaps best known for his Adagio for Strings who lived in New York with his partner of 40 years Gian Carlo Menotti. Menotti was also a prolific composer and the librettist for two of Barber’s three operas.
Excerpt from a live performance on April 7, 2024
David Mann, conductor