Archive:
News
Welcome to the archive of our old "News" items. Enjoy the historical view. Beware, though, of expired links. See also the Archive of old "New on the web" items.
    See NEWS on the home page for the most recent 5 items.
  • Essential Voices USA announces the release of Christmas Joy, a new collection of recently-commissioned holiday music. The recording features an arrangement for chorus and string quartet by Josh Clayton and music director Judith Clurman of familiar carols, along with works by Pierre Jalbert and Bill Cutter. The recording on Albany (Troy 1955) can be streamed on all platforms. The published scores will be available in 2024. (2023-10-30)
  • ALERT: Steve Friedman will be touring Italy with Ghostlight Chorus from June 29 through July 9. Updates to the Vocal Area Network site may be delayed while he's traveling. Prompt updates will resume on July 10. (2023-6-28)
  • View the Canticum Novum Singers' final concert after 50 seasons, a performance of Bach's Mass in B Minor from May 13, for $15 at canticumnovum.in.live/show/details/harold_rosenbaum_tag. (2023-5-31)
  • Nice write-up in The New York Times about Steven Fox and and the Clarion Choir's upcoming performances of Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil. (2023-5-3)
  • Legislators in New York City have passed a law requiring retailers -- including concert venues -- to show the full price of tickets, with all fees included up front. For details, see gothamist.com/news/nyc-is-getting-rid-of-surprise-add-on-fees-in-ticket-prices. (2023-4-13)
  • New York Opera Alliance (NYOA), with support from OPERA America, has announced NYOANext, a new citywide opera series spotlighting local artists and companies in each of New York's five boroughs. The initiative begins with a spotlight on the Bronx with a three-day festival April 20, 22 and 23, 2023, celebrating the borough's vibrant and varied opera community. Opera companies from around the five boroughs, including the 56-year old Bronx Opera, will perform in the Bronx with local artists from the neighborhood. For details, visit NYoperaalliance.org. (2023-3-3)
  • New recordings! Dessoff has released its world-premiere recording of Credo and Simon Bore the Cross, two cantatas by 20th-centtury African American composer Margaret Bonds. The recording, with full orchestra, is conducted by Malcolm J. Merriweather and features soprano Janinah Burnett and bass-baritone Dashon Burton. To listen and purchase, visit orcd.co/av2589. And Zulal, an a cappella trio of Armenian-American women, has released its fourth album, By the Shepherd's Clock. Visit linktr.ee/zulaltrio for more information. (2023-2-15)
  • Join the New York Choral Consortium for its annual Membership Day on Saturday, February 11 from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church. For details and to regsiter, visit www.newyorkchoralconsortium.org/events-dormant. (2023-2-3)
  • Ron DeFesi is the new musical director of The Warwick Valley Chorale. (2023-1-7)
  • James John artistic director of Cerddorion, leads "Pilgrimage" as part of Make Music Winter on Wednesday, December 21. Headlamp-clad singers will walk a route along Riverside Park making stops at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and other landmarks to sing medieval melodies once sung on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. For details, visit makemusicny.org/2022-make-music-winter-schedule/pilgrimage. (2022-12-14)
  • ALERT: Some nefarious party purporting to be Vocal Area Network is again sending e-mail solicitions "requesting gift card donations to assist Veterans at hospice care." This is a known scam of the gift card variety. Please discard these e-mails and report the actual sender to the appropriate authorities if you can. One such place is the FTC's fraud reporting site at reportfraud.ftc.gov/. These e-mails are from neither Steve Friedman nor Vocal Area Network. (2022-9-27)
  • New York City’s longest-running early music series Music Before 1800 has introduced Bill Barclay as its first-ever Artistic Director. As founder Louise Basbas transitions from executive director to board president, Barclay takes on artistic responsibilities immediately. (2022-9-20)
  • The Western Wind has announced three new members of the ensemble: bass Paul Greene-Dennis, soprano Christina Kay and tenor Bradley King. (2022-9-7)
  • Gene Murrow is retiring as executive director of Gotham Early Music Scene, though he will remain as president of the board. He will be succeeded as executive director by John Thiessen. (2022-8-31)
  • Emma Daniels is the new music director of Philomusica. Gwendolyn Toth is the new music director of the Saint Ignatius of Antioch Choir. (2022-8-26)
  • The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has an article about the retirement of Amy Kaiser as director of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus after 27 seasons. Prior to her St. Louis appointment, Amy was an active part of choral life in New York, where she was music director of the Dessoff Choirs and the Mannes Chamber Singers, a teacher at the Manhattan School of Music, guest conductor for the Metropolitan Opera Guild and principal conductor of the 92nd Street Y’s school concert series. She also prepared choruses for the New York Philharmonic and the Mostly Mozart Festival. (2022-5-11)
  • Encore Creativity for Older Adults, the nation’s largest choral organization for adults over 55, will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a special concert honoring founder Jeanne Kelly at the renowned Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD, on Saturday, May 14 at 3 PM. Ten singers from the New York City Encore Chorale will be participating. For more information, visit www.strathmore.org/what-s-on/in-the-music-center/encore-creativity-15th-anniversary-celebration/. (2022-4-30)
  • The Greenwich Village Chamber Singers have appointed Michael Sheetz as music director, beginning July 2022. (2022-4-28)
  • Trinity Church has fired its music director, Julian Wachner, after accusations of misconduct. Read the Times story for more details. (2022-3-17)
  • Babylon: Ghetto, Renaissance and Modern Oblivion, an early-music film written and directed by Salon/Sanctuary Concerts founder and artistic director Jessica Gould, took home the prize for best picture at the Asti International Film Festival. For more about the movie, visit www.babylonfilm.net/. (2021-12-31)
  • The Heart of New Jersey Chorus offers its online holiday show at www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6co6MBaJxA. Philomusica Choir presents its December 2021 virtual concert, "Aspects of Love," at www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ4e2WGyLVM. (2021-12-14)
  • Deborah Simpkin King is the new Director of Music and Arts at Trinity Church in Asbury Park, NJ, effective January 9. (2021-12-14)
  • Amor Artis was named winner of The American Prize Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music (community division). For details, visit theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2021/10/winners-bacon-award-american-music.html. (2021-10-29)
  • Mark Mangini, music director of the Greenwich Village Chamber Singers for over forty years, passed away on September 5 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. (2021-10-3)
  • Harmonium Choral Society has announced the hiring of its first executive director, Jody Marcus. (2021-9-22)
  • ALERT: Some nefarious party purporting to be Vocal Area Network is sending e-mail solicitions "requesting gift card donations to assist Veterans at hospice care." This is a known scam of the gift card variety. Please discard these e-mails and report the actual sender to the appropriate authorities if you can. One such place is the FTC's fraud reporting site at reportfraud.ftc.gov/. These e-mails are from neither Steve Friedman nor Vocal Area Network. (2021-9-19)
  • West Side Rag has a nice article about New York City Encore Chorale, part of Encore Creativity for Older Adults. (2021-8-26)
  • The Greenwich Village Chamber Singers have announced that long-time music director Mark Mangini has stepped down due to an extended illness. Alec Galambos, music director of Khorikos, will serve as interim conductor through spring 2022. (2021-8-26)
  • The Choral Connection on YouTube offers Harold Rosenbaum's interviews with composers, conductors and performers. (2021-8-15)
  • Schola Cantorum on Hudson, founded in 1995 by Artistic Director Dr. Deborah Simpkin King, recently completed a rebranding process and will hence be called Ember Choral Arts. The three core programs of the organization, Ember (the acclaimed choral ensemble), PROJECT : ENCORE (a free catalogue of contemporary choral music reviewed and endorsed by industry peers) and Ember Education (formerly known as the Phoenix Initiative) have all received brand updates. Ember Choral Arts launched its new website this week: www.EmberArts.org. PROJECT : ENCORE also launched a new website (www.ProjectEncore.org), creating a seamless user experience to view the juried catalogue of choral music. (2021-8-13)
  • In light of recent COVID developments and out of an abundance of caution, the West Village Chorale has cancelled its in-person summer sings scheduled for four dates in August. (2021-7-31)
  • James Blachly's Experiential Orchestra has won a Grammy award for its recording of Ethel Smyth's The Prison. The recording featured soprano Sarah Brailey and bass-baritone Dashon Burton. Read more about this recording at www.overgrownpath.com/2021/03/grammy-takes-dame-ethel-trip.html. (2021-3-17)
  • From the Department of Shameless Self-Promotion: Vocal Area Network's Steve Friedman has established a YouTube channel featuring follow-the-score videos of some of his compositions and arrangements, including his settings of Magnificat and The Lord's Prayer (performed by the St. Michael's Choir), along with renditions of Leavin' On a Jet Plane (recorded by The Western Wind) and Spiderman (recorded by Equal Voices). (2021-1-31)
  • Judith Clurman's Essential Voices USA offers two new releases. Words Matter, dedicated to the memory of victims of violence, features works by Stephen Schwartz and Shawn Crouch. Winter Harmonies features Thanksgiving, Christmas and Chanukah selections by Judith Clurman, David Chase, Sheldon Harnick, David Shire and James Sizemore. Stream and download these at essentialvoicesusa.hearnow.com/. (2020-11-30)
  • Zoom's September update now includes a high-fidelity audio mode that better supports virtual musical activity. See support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360048388632-New-Updates-for-September-1-2020 and an article about how a Yale-led group of music schools helped bring about this enhancement. (2020-9-11)
  • Another New York Times article about the challenges--and joys--of resuming choir activities. (2020-9-6)
  • A preprint of research funded by the UK government offers the conclusion that unless you’re singing fortissimo, the difference between singing at a given volume and speaking at the same volume is minimal, which is rather different than what was previously thought. See the preprint (meaning the research has yet to be peer reviewed) at chemrxiv.org. (Thanks to Peter Leigh for this item.) (2020-8-24)
  • Love the Psalms? Love Anglican Chant? Watch this YouTube video in which John Cantrell, Organist and Choirmaster at St. Michael's Church on the Upper West Side, talks about his jazz- and roots music-influenced settings for all 150 Psalms--The St. Michael's Psalter. There's also an opportunity to help fund the project if you're inspired to do so. (2020-8-10)
  • Interesting viewing and reading: a video from NPR explaining the challenges of playing and singing together over the internet and an article by Fahad Siadat of C4 entitled Innovations and Experimentations in Distanced Choral Singing, which includes a link to a detailed setup document (if you're looking to experiment with distanced singing tools). (2020-7-28)
  • Read the Journal of Voice article Safer Singing During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: What We Know and What We Don't. (2020-7-21)
  • Read the New York Times article entitled "When Will It Be Safe to Sing Together Again?" (2020-6-9)
  • EC Schirmer has just released the first issue in The Mark Shapiro Choral Series. It's One Hour to Madness and Joy by Jorge Martín. It's at www.ecspublishing.com/catalog/product/view/id/74380/s/one-hour-to-madness-and-joy/. (2020-5-27)
  • Lincoln Center has cancelled this summer’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts programming, including Midsummer Night Swing, the Mostly Mozart Festival and Lincoln Center Out of Doors. (2020-4-9)
  • Outdoor Make Music New York concerts originally planned for June 21, 2020 have been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. Virtual events will go on as scheduled. (2020-4-9)
  • Susan Elliott reports in Musical America that Carnegie Hall will be closed until fall 2020. (2020-4-3)
  • Unsettling news from the Los Angeles Times about a choir rehearsal that led to sickness and death from COVID-19. (2020-3-31)
  • Interested in intonation issues for singers? Got an hour to spend? Watch Voces8's Blake Morgan offer his interactive "Intonation--A Multisensory Experience" on YouTube. His examples are excellent and his emphasis on feeling rather than hearing is right on target. (2020-3-31)
  • IMPORTANT: As we've already seen, COVID-19 has had a dramatic effect on the concert scene, with many postponements and cancellations. Please continue to send updates as you make decisions about your public events to steve.friedman@van.org. Also, we'd be curious to know what groups are doing about non-public activities like rehearsals. Please consider dropping us a brief note to share how your groups are coping in this unprecedented situation. (2020-3-13)
  • Essential Voices USA has released a new CD entitled Rejoice! Honoring the Jewish Spirit on the Acis label. (2019-11-29)
  • Choral Chameleon has released an album of the Goshu Ondo Suite by Eri Yamamoto, recorded live (and off-book) in November 2018 at the studios of the Paul Taylor Dance Company in Manhattan. The album is available on Bandcamp, Amazon, iTunes, Pandora and Spotify. CDs are available from AUM Fidelity. (2019-11-21)
  • Michael A. Ciavaglia is the new artistic director of the Connecticut Chamber Choir (2019-8-25)
  • Read the New York Tiimes story abou the Brooklyn Youth Chorus and its collaborations with cutting-edge composers and popular musicians. (2019-7-21)
  • The American Masters series on PBS (Channel 13 in NYC) offers "Robert Shaw. Man of Many Voice" on Friday, June 21 at 9 PM. For details visit www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/robert-shaw-man-of-many-voices-about/11465/. (2019-6-20)
  • The New York Times has a substantial article about The Crossing, the celebrated Philadelphia-based choir that focuses on new music. (2019-6-20)
  • Read the New York Times obituary of Joseph Flummerfelt, who died last week at the age of 82. (2019-3-6)
  • The GMChorale, a 90-voice choir based in Middletown, CT, has announced the appointment of Melissa Rooklidge as Assistant Conductor and Director of Operations, the first person to fill these newly-created roles. For more details, visit www.gmchorale.org. (2019-2-28)
  • Ember has moved its Tuesday-evening rehearsal location to the Opera America building, 330 7th Avenue (2-1/2 blocks south of Penn Station) effective as of March 5. As Ember draws its membership from New York and New Jersey, the new location, near Penn Station, was selected for its accessibility to singers from both states. For more details, see Ember's audition ad on the Choir Auditions page. (2019-2-26)
  • Interkultur's American International Choral Festival runs February 14-18, 2019 in Princeton, NJ. For details, visit www.interkultur.com/events/2019/princeton/. (2018-12-30)
  • Florilegium Chamber Choir has appointed James Knox Sutterfield as its music director, the fourth in its forty-three year history. (2018-12-20)
  • The New York City Bar Chorus celebrated 25 years of serving the community with a concert on November 9 in the City Bar's Great Hall. The nearly-100-member chorus, directed by Kathryn E. Schneider and accompanied by Matthew V. Grieco, showcased their extraordinary musical talents to a packed house of more than 400 enraptured audience members. Read more about the celebratory concert at www.nycbar.org/media-listing/media/detail/new-york-city-bar-chorus-celebrates-25-years. (2018-11-22)
  • The Ember ensemble of Schola Cantorum on Hudson has named composer and performing artist Cheryl Engelhardt as its Composer-in-Residence for the 2018-19 concert season. This is the first time the noted semi-professional ensemble, led by Artistic Director, founder and conductor Deborah Simpkin King, has named a composer to the position for an entire season. (2018-10-3)
  • The New York Choral Consortium's Fall Programs Day on Saturday, October 13 features sessions with Kent Tritle, Ronnie Oliver, Jr., Mark Schnaible, Alexis Martin and Jacob Levine. For details, visit www.newyorkchoralconsortium.org/events. (2018-10-2)
  • See the New York Times article about David Lang's upcoming Mile-Long Opera, to be performed by 1,000 singers October 3-8 along the High Line. (2018-9-29)
  • The board of Choral Chameleon and founding artistic director Vince Peterson have announced the appointment of Dale Trumbore as Composer-in-Residence for 2018-2019. Dale Trumbore will be the fifth composer since the company was founded in 2008 to have the opportunity to spend a year writing for the New York City-based company’s community of adventurous professional and avocational singers, adding to Choral Chameleon’s extensive repertoire of over 150 commissions and premieres. For more about Choral Chameleon's CIR programme, a biography of Trumbore and access to a long-form interview with Vince Peterson and the composer about the appointment, visit www.choralchameleon.com/composer-in-residence.html. (2018-9-26)
  • KHORIKOS, the acclaimed a cappella ensemble focused on bringing clarity and soul to early and new choral music, is happy to announce the upcoming release of three new albums. These recordings will include an eclectic, emotional mix of early and new music, including an EP of rare motets from the Renaissance composer Josquin des Prez. To learn more or contribute to this exciting project, visit igg.me/at/khorikos/x/9028284. (2018-9-7)
  • David A. McConnell is the new artistic director of Voices Chorale NJ. (2018-8-16)
  • Ember, the acclaimed semi-professional choir that leverages the power of music to explore social issues in thought-provoking ways, was recently the subject of a segment that aired on NJTV’s "State of the Arts" program. The title of the episode, Ember -- Safe for Democracy, was taken from the ensemble’s May concert which tackled race relations in America as they manifested upon the return home of African American soldiers from WWI. (2018-8-12)
  • Hannah Carr has been named artistic director of Cantigas Women's Choir. She succeeds founder Joan Isaacs Litman. (2018-8-6)
  • Jason Tramm has been named Music Director of the Taghkanic Chorale. Tramm becomes the tenth director in the Chorale’s 51-year history, succeeding Steven Fox, who departed after an 11-year tenure with the chorale to become Music Director of the Cathedral Choral Society, Washington, DC. (2018-7-13)
  • The Young New Yorkers’ Chorus (YNYC), a nonprofit organization that fosters the art of choral singing and brings new music to life by creating opportunities for young composers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Canovas as its next Artistic Director, effective for the upcoming 2018-2019 season. Canovas is currently the Associate Conductor of the critically-acclaimed vocal ensemble, Choral Chameleon. He will succeed Michael Kerschner, who has led YNYC since 2006. For more details, visit ynyc.org/the-young-new-yorkers-chorus-appoints-alex-canovas-as-its-next-artistic-director. (2018-5-31)
  • Choral Chameleon's founder and director Vince Peterson is the 2018 recipient of Chorus America's Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal. Read more at Chorus America. (2018-4-25)
  • The Pro Arte Chorale of Ridgewood, NJ welcomes Bryan Zaros as its new music director, effective July 1. Bryan succeeds Steven Fox, who will become the music director of The Cathedral Choral Society in Washington, DC. (2018-4-24)
  • The New York Times has an article about Encore Creativity for Older Adults and its choral programs for people over 55. Encore's New York groups are starting up in March. (2018-2-26)
  • Choral Chameleon is proud to announce, in its 10th anniversary season, that it has been selected by National Sawdust, the ground-breaking artist incubator and performance space founded in 2015, to be the first choir to participate in their coveted residency program for the 2017-2018 season. Choral Chameleon’s residency will be anchored in National Sawdust’s new curated series, Classical Sundays. Devoted to bringing classical artistry to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Classical Sundays will showcase the artists and ensembles who are moving the classical and contemporary classical music field forward in ways that align with National Sawdust’s experimental and artist-led DNA. The new series will present world premieres, with participants pushing the boundaries of what their instruments (or voices) can do, and/or engaging in unexpected collaborations across disciplines. Instrumental ensembles in residence alongside Choral Chameleon include International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), Contemporaneous and The Refugee Orchestra Project. (2018-1-23)
  • Encore Creativity for Older Adults, the nation’s largest choral program for adults 55 and over, has announced the start of two Encore ensembles in New York. The Encore Chorale opens Monday, March 19, with rehearsals from 1 to 2:30 PM at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. Encore Rocks (a rock-n-roll chorus) opens Wednesday, March 21, with rehearsals from 1 to 2:30 PM at the New York Society for Ethical Culture. Encore is based in Washington, DC, where it runs fifteen Encore Chorales and six Encore Rocks choruses. Encore also has ensembles in Chicago, Denver, Pennsylvania, Ohio and California. Learn more at encorecreativity.org. (2018-1-11)
  • Robert De Cormier, longtime director of The New York Choral Society and arranger for Harry Belafonte and Peter, Paul and Mary, has died. He was 95. Read about his life at The New York Times. (2017-11-13)
  • Harold Rosenbaum's new book, A Practical Guide to Choral Conducting, is now available for ordering from the publisher. (2017-10-19)
  • Read The New York Times review of the recent International Championship of A Cappella event at Carnegie Hall. (2017-9-29)
  • Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church (CAPC), one of New Jersey’s most beautiful and historic churches, is pleased to announce the appointment of Deborah Simpkin King as its new Interim Director of Music. In addition, Dr. King will serve as the Artistic Director of the church-sponsored Crescent Concerts Series, a multi-disciplinary presentation of vocal, instrumental, choral and orchestral music events for the residents of Plainfield and the surrounding communities. (2017-8-13)
  • The Ember Ensemble, which will be presenting the East Coast premiere of John Muehleisen’s oratorio, But Who Shall Return Us Our Children – A Kipling Passion, in November, is opening its read-through of the work on Monday evening, July 31, to the public, free of charge. For details, see the Concert Calendar. (2017-7-28)
  • Musical America has an article by Kent Tritle on what it takes to be a professional choral singer. (2017-7-15)
  • Lincoln Center's White Light Festival, running from October 18 through November 15, will feature performances of settings of all 150 biblical psalms, by 150 composers, in "The Psalms Experience." See the article in The New York Times. (2017-6-21)
  • Sad to report that In Transit, the a cappella musical, will have its final performances on Sunday, April 16. Worth seeing, if you have the opportunity. It's well-sung, with an appealing, energetic cast and a lot of in-the-know commentary about life in New York. (2017-4-15)
  • The New York Times has a profile of Deke Sharon, one of the forces behird the new a cappella musical In Transit. (2016-11-24)
  • The Choir of St. Luke in the Fields has released a new album entitled Pierre de Manchicourt: Missa Reges terrae and other works on the MSR label. For more information and to order a copy, visit www.stlukeinthefields.org/store/product/pierre-de-manchicourt-missa-reges-terrae-cd. (2016-10-4)
  • See the New York Times review of David Lang's the public domain, performed at the Mostly Mozart Festival. (2016-8-15)
  • Neil F. Brown is the new music director of The Shrewsbury Chorale. (2016-7-26)
  • Gregg Smith, who founded the Gregg Smith Singers in 1955 and was a pioneer of professional choral singing, has died at the age of 84. Read his obituary in The New York Times. (2016-7-18)
  • The Dessoff Choirs has annnounced its appointment of Malcolm J. Merriweather as its ninth music director. (2016-5-24)
  • Libero Canto, a unique way of teaching singing that originated in Europe and has in recent years established a beachhead in New York, will be holding a series of demonstration lessons in June and July to introduce the approach. See the ad in the Info Exchange for details. (2016-5-5)
  • New York City conductor Harold Rosenbaum is working on a number of ambitious new projects, including an upcoming concert celebrating the music of acclaimed Puerto Rican-born composer Roberto Sierra. On May 15, Rosenbaum will conduct the premiere of a new arrangement of Sierra's celebrated work, Missa Latina, a boisterous Mass setting infused with Latin rhythms, newly scored by the composer for two pianos and 24 percussion instruments. The premiere will take place at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College under the auspices of El Centro, the College's institute for Puerto Rican studies. On Saturday, June 4, Rosenbaum will lead several choirs at Choral Fest USA at Symphony Space, a free marathon event he established to showcase diverse American choirs. He has been actively recording with his professional choir, The New York Virtuoso Singers, and recently started his own recording company, Virtuoso Choral Recordings (virtuosochoralrecordings.com). Its first CD, Choral Music in the 21st Century – Volume 1: Katherine Hoover, David Lipten and Paul Davies, will be released in early summer by 4Tay Records. (2016-4-30)
  • Make Music New York Winter takes place on December 21. For details, visit makemusicny.org/winter-2015/. And this year, there are three opportunities that require singers. For details, visit the Info Exchange. (2015-12-2)
  • The Washington Heights Choir School (WHCS), an outreach ministry of Holyrood Episcopal Church in the upper Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights, has announced the hiring of its new music director, Ellen Wright. Currently the Dean of the Brooklyn Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, Ms. Wright has served as organist and director of music in several churches in the greater New York area as well as creator/teacher of music programs for elementary and secondary school students in New York and Long Island. The Washington Heights Choir School trains children from Kindergarten to 5th grade to achieve early excellence and growth through music and arts education. For more information, visit holyroodchurch.com/ministries/choir-school/. (2015-9-12)
  • John Scott. Organist and Director of Music at Saint Thomas Church, died suddenly on August 12. Read a tribute at www.saintthomaschurch.org/about/news/342/john-scott-1956-2015. See also the obituary in The New York Times. (2015-8-14)
  • Read a review of June's ChoralFest USA 2015 event by Jean Ballard Terepka on TheaterScene.net. (2015-8-12)
  • Hudson Chorale is pleased to announce the appointment of Conductor Ira Spaulding as its new Interim Music Director. Spaulding will be replacing Music Director Michael Conley, who has accepted a post as Director of Music Ministries at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Pacific Heights, California. For more information, visit www.HudsonChorale.org. (2015-8-11)
  • After four months of job hunting, Vocal Area Network host Steve Friedman has been rehired (surprise!) by the company that eliminated his position back in April. Go figure! Thanks to all who offered career suggestions during the interregnum. (2015-8-4)
  • The Collegiate Chorale, which was founded in 1941 by the conductor Robert Shaw, has announced that it has changed its name to MasterVoices and begun a new partnership with City Center to give concert performances there of operas and operettas in English. See the New York Times article for details. (2015-8-4)
  • The St. Michael's Choir program--adult choir, high school and kids--will journey to France for a ten-day tour July 2-12, with visits to and performances in Normandy, the Loire Valley and Paris. Repertoire for the tour features three premieres of compositions written for the St. Michael's Choir by Choirmaster John Cantrell and by singing members Bill Heigen and Steve Friedman. (2015-6-30)
  • Read about the Oratorio Society of New York's successful auction fundraiser in the latest blog post by Jacob Levine on Chorus Connection. (2015-6-30)
  • This year's Make Music New York festival on June 21 offers two intriguing participatory events for singers: "Bach and Sons" and "Circlesongs." Read about them in the Info Exchange. (2015-6-15)
  • The second Yale International Choral Festival takes place on the campus of Yale University in New Haven, CT from June 16 to June 20. Ensembles in 2015 will include Sweden's Voces Nordicae, Cuba's Entrevoces, the National University of Singapore Choir and the Jerusalem Youth Chorus, along with the Yale Choral Artists and the Yale Alumni Chorus. (2015-6-11)
  • The Masterwork Chorus has announced the appointment of Dr. Christopher Shepard as its new music director. He joins the chorus in September 2015 as it launches its sixtieth anniversary celebration. (2015-6-11)
  • On Monday, June 15, Cerddorion Vocal Ensemble presents a concert by Voces Nordicae, an outstanding Swedish professional choir makingtheir only New York appearance of 2015. For details, see the listing in the Concert Calendar. (2015-6-10)
  • Jacob Levine of Chorus Connection talks about "The Perfect Chorus Management Tool" in his latest blog post. (2015-5-31)
  • Ghostlight won 3rd prize in the 14th International Chamber Choir Competition held in Marktoberdorf, Germany this past week. (2015-5-28)
  • Internationally renowned organist, composer and improvisateur McNeil Robinson, who served as organist of New York City's most celebrated houses of worship for more than half a century, died on May 9, as reported on the web site of the American Guild of Organists. Mr. Robinson was the subject of an interview that ran as a VAN Feature back in 2003. See also this YouTube tribute by Azi Schwartz and the New York Times obituary. (2015-5-15)
  • Read the latest Chorus Connection blog post on the struggles involved in managing internal social communications in a chorus. (2015-5-13)
  • Choral Chameleon has won a 2015 Chorus America / ASCAP Adventurous Programming Award. (2015-4-15)
  • The Empire City Men's Chorus promoted Vince Peterson this month from Interim Artistic Director to Artistic Director. (2015-4-10)
  • Vocal Area Network host Steve Friedman is looking for a new day job after the telecommunications company for whom he's worked for 27 out of the last 31 years eliminated his sales engineering position. Career suggestions welcomed. See his profile on LinkedIn for details. (2015-3-31)
  • CONCORA has announced the appointment of Christopher Shepard as its second Artistic Director, succeeding Artistic Director Emeritus Richard Coffey, who founded the ensemble as Connecticut's first all-professional choir in 1974. For more details, visit concora.org/. (2015-2-9)
  • Ward Swingle, founder of the Swingle Singers, famed for their scat renditions of Bach, Mozart and other classical composers, has died at age 87. Read his obituary in The New York Times. (2015-1-25)
  • Canterbury Choral Society has announced the death of its founder and longtime conductor Charles Dodsley Walker on January 17. Mr. Walker was 94. (2015-1-18)
  • On Saturday, January 24, Q2 Music presents the first of its monthly 24-hour marathons of 2015 with "Raised Voices," a tribute to today's wild, ravishingly beautiful music for vocal and choral ensemble. Hosted by Helga Davis, the marathon repeats Friday, January 30. Q2 Music is WQXR's online music station devoted to dynamic contemporary classical music, trailblazing ensembles and vibrant, live performances from New York City's leading new-music venues. Have a favorite contemporary choral work you'd like to hear? Submit your suggestion at www.wqxr.org/#!/story/choral-fixation-24-hours-new-music-voice/. (2015-1-13)
  • Read "Is Faith Required to Perform Sacred Classical Music," an article by Brian Wise and Naomi Lewin, at www.wqxr.org/#!/story/faith-required-perform-sacred-classical-music/. (2014-11-30)
  • Essential Voices USA, conducted by Judith Clurman, has released a new CD entitled Cherished Moments: Songs of the Jewish Spirit. The recording, featuring soloists Ron Raines, Bruce Ruben and Michael Slattery, introduces exciting arrangements of traditional songs that represent the Jewish holidays and life-cycle events. For more information, visit www.judithclurman.com. (2014-11-5)
  • Ryan Brandau is the new artistic director of Amor Artis. (2014-7-3)
  • Jolle Greenleaf and Donald Meineke direct the Early Music Festival NYC, running June 13-19, 2014. For details, visit www.emfnyc.org. (2014-5-7)
  • C4: The Choral Composer/Conductor Collective has received the 2014 Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. This is the first time they have received this honor. The Adventurous Programming awards recognize choruses that demonstrate a sustained commitment to adventurous programming through performances of choral music written in the last 25 years.Read more about the award at www.chorusamerica.org/news/2014-chorus-america-award-recipients-announced. (2014-5-7)
  • The New York Virtuoso Singers and Harold Rosenbaum have received the 2014 Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. This is the fourth time NYVS and Rosenbaum have received this honor. Read more about the awards at www.chorusamerica.org/news/2014-chorus-america-award-recipients-announced. (2014-4-30)
  • Cantabile Chamber Chorale artistic director Rebecca Scott and others were interviewed by correspondent Bill Nutt for an article in the New Jersey Courier News and Home News Tribune. Read about Cantabile's April 26 concert celebrating New Jersey's 350th anniversary. (2014-4-10)
  • Harold Rosenbaum, distinguished teacher and choral conductor, is the recipient of the 2014 Ditson Conductor's Award for the advancement of American music. See the New York Times article at artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/30/harold-rosenbaum-wins-conductors-award for details. (2014-3-31)
  • View Stacy Horn's TEDx Montclair talk about the benefits of choral singing at bit.ly/1alfPcT. (2014-2-7)
  • Cerddorion Vocal Ensemble is pleased to announce the winners of its 2014 Emerging Composers Competition: Steven Serpa (Coventry, RI), was awarded first prize; Joshua Fishbein (Los Angeles, CA) and Theo Popov (New York, NY) shared second prize. The premieres of all three works will take place in performances at 8:00 PM on March 1, 2014, at St. Paul's Church in Brooklyn (199 Carroll Street) and at 8:00 PM on March 8, 2014, at St. Michael's Church in Manhattan (225 West 99th Street). For more information, please see www.cerddorion.org. (2014-1-20)
  • Choral composer Steven Sametz, artistic director of The Princeton Singers, has been named the recipient of the 10th Raymond and Beverly Sackler Music Composition Prize presented by the University of Connecticut, a $25,000 award to compose a new work for a specific area of musical arts that will be performed and recorded. (2013-10-15)
  • The Greenwich Village Singers are now the Greenwich Village Chamber Singers. (2013-7-31)
  • The Board of Directors of The Empire City Men’s Chorus, under the leadership of Board President Jeremy Davidson, has announced the retirement of ECMC Artistic Director Christopher Clowdus after five years of distinguished service and programming. In conjunction with Mr. Clowdus's retirement, the Board has initiated a search for a new artistic director. See the ad in the Info Exchange for more information. (2013-7-16)
  • Stacy Horn, New York singer and author, discussed her book Imperfect Harmony: Finding Happiness in Singing With Others on NPR's Talk of the Nation on June 3. (2013-6-15)
  • Results are in from the New York regional of the 2013 Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival, held March 30 at the Miller Theatre. First place: The Rainbows. Second place: Six13. Third place: Low Key. Honorable Mention: Satellite Lane. See www.harmony-sweepstakes.com/newyork.html for more information. (2013-3-31)
  • Uncommon Chord, a 10-voice, co-ed pop/jazz vocal ensemble located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, is seeking a new music director. For more information about the position and the group, see the Info Exchange or visit www.uncommonchord.org. (2013-2-26)
  • The Cecilia Chorus of New York is the new name for the group established in 1906 as the St. Cecilia Chorus. (2012-11-18)
  • David Hayes has been appointed to serve as Music Director of the New York Choral Society beginning with the 2012-13 concert season. Mr. Hayes is currently the Music Director of The Philadelphia Singers, a professional vocal ensemble, and the related Philadelphia Singers Chorale, a chorus of professionals and volunteers that serves as the resident chorus of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He also serves as the Music Director of the Mannes Orchestra and the Director of Orchestral and Conducting Studies at Mannes College and The New School for Music in New York City. For more information, visit www.nychoral.org. (2012-8-23)
  • Ryan Brandau is the new director of two ensembles: the Monmouth Civic Chorus and Princeton Pro Musica. (2012-7-28)
  • Ridgewood-based Ars Musica Chorale has announced the appointment of Kelly Crandell as music director and conductor. (2012-7-26)
  • The Pro Arte Chorale has announced the appointment of Steven Fox as its new Music Director. (2012-7-18)
  • Marquee Five will open for Voca People on July 18 at 7 PM. Code VPAMC1211 will get you half-price tickets at www.broadwayoffers.com and at the New World Stage box office at 340 West 50th Street. (2012-7-12)
  • The Rhythms of One World 2012 International Choral Festival brings seven choirs from around the world to New York to commemorate the signing of the UN Charter. The festival runs from June 25 through June 30. See listings in the VAN Concert Calendar and at www.RhythmsofOneWorld.org. (2012-6-20)
  • Make Music New York 2012 features free musical events across New York City on Thursday, June 21. For complete details, visit www.makemusicny.org. (2012-6-14)
  • The inaugural Yale International Choral Festival takes place in New Haven, CT from June 19 through June 23. For details, visit www.yaleinternationalchoralfest.org. (2012-6-14)
  • The New York Choral Society has selected Julian Wachner and David Hayes to serve as its guest conductors for the 2012-13 concert season. Julian Wachner is Music Director of The Washington Chorus and Director of Music and the Arts at New York's Trinity Wall Street as well as Principal Conductor of the Trinity Choir, the Trinity Baroque Orchestra and NOVUS NY. David Hayes is the Music Director of The Philadelphia Singers, a professional vocal ensemble; he also serves as the Music Director of the Mannes Orchestra and Director of Orchestral and Conducting Studies at Mannes College The New School for Music in New York City. John Daly Goodwin, whose tenure as Music Director of the New York Choral Society will end this month, has been named Music Director Emeritus. For more information, visit www.nychoral.org. (2012-6-11)
  • The Monmouth Civic Chorus has announced the selection of Ryan Brandau as its new Artistic Director. Dr. Brandau succeeds Dr. Mark Shapiro, who is concluding his 21-year tenure with the Chorus at the end of the 2011-2012 season. (2012-5-20)
  • Kat Britt is the new director of the Jersey Harmony Chorus. (2012-5-10)
  • The Jersey Harmony Chorus earned the small chorus second place ribbon in the Sweet Adelines Greater New York Region 15 Competition. The region, which encompasses New York and New Jersey, sponsored its annual competition in Philadelphia recently. For more information, visit www.harmonize.com/jerseyharmony. (2012-4-29)
  • New York Choral Consortium has launched the Second Annual Sing New York! Choral Festival, running from April 15 through June 15, 2012. The aim of the festival is to bring a greater awareness of the choral art in New York City. For details, visit www.SingNewYork.org. (2012-4-15)
  • Results are in from the New York regional of the Annual Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival, held March 10 at the Miller Theatre. First place: Audiofeels. Second place: The Perspective. Third place: Lustre. See www.harmony-sweepstakes.com/newyork.html for more information. (2012-3-14)
  • Sing New York! is looking for a new work to feature at its next Big Sing in June 2012. For details, see the ad in the Info Exchange. The application deadline for composers vetted by Project Encore is December 1; for others, it's October 15. (2011-10-4)
  • Noah Glynn has been appointed sixth artistic director of the Greater New Haven Community Chorus. (2011-10-2)
  • Francisco Núñez, founder and conductor of the Young People's Chorus of New York, is a recipient of a MacArthur Foundation "genius award." See the article in The New York Times. (2011-9-20)
  • The Requiem Project on Q2 Music (part of Classical 105.9 FM WQXR) will commemorate the 10th anniversary of September 11. To participate, visit www.wqxr.org/series/q2s-requiem-project/. See more details in the Info Exchange. (2011-8-25)
  • Mark Shapiro has been named Music Director of The St. Cecilia Chorus. Shapiro succeeds St. Cecilia's previous Music Director, David Randolph, who died in 2010 after leading the chorus for 45 years. (2011-7-22)
  • The Voca People (www.voca-people.com) have landed in New York for shows through October 30. For details and a special ticket offer, see the ad in the Info Exchange (2011-7-15)
  • Princeton Pro Musica has announced that Frances Fowler Slade, Founder and Music Director, will "pass the baton" at the end of the 2011-2012 season. A search for a new Artistic Director is under way. For details, visit www.princetonpromusica.org. (2011-5-7)
  • Dino Anagnost, longtime conductor of the Little Orchestra Society and founder of the Orpheon Chorale and the Metropolitan Singers/Greek Choral Society, has died at age 67. Read his obituary in The New York Times. (2011-4-5)
  • Results are in from the New York regional of the 27th Annual Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival, held March 19 at the Miller Theatre. First place: Traces. Second place: The Glue. Third place: Lai Skan. See www.harmony-sweepstakes.com/newyork.html for more information. (2011-3-21)
  • VoCALnation is a brand new a cappella festival featuring concerts, classes and opportuniites to make connections. It takes place the weekend of March 25-27 in New York. For details, visit www.vocal-nation.com. (2011-3-6)
  • Soprano Linda Lee Jones is the newest member of the Western Wind Vocal Ensemble. (2011-3-3)
  • The New York Choral Consortium, a not-for-profit group comprised of member choruses based in New York City, with a mission to bring to the attention of the public the diversity, quality and quantity of great choral music in New York City, announces the first annual Sing New York! Festival from April 15 through June 15, 2011. The festival includes scheduled performances of more than 50 New York City choral groups, presenting concerts of familiar as well as rarely-heard works. The festival will close with a gala choral finale on Wednesday evening, June 15, 2011, at St. Paul the Apostle, with members of all participating choruses -- hundreds of singers! -- joining in a massed performance of favorite choral works conducted by some of New York City's best-known choral conductors. For more information on the New York Choral Consortium, please visit www.newyorkchoralconsortium.org. For more information on the Sing New York! Festival, including how your chorus might participate, please visit www.singnewyork.org. (2011-2-14)
  • Johannes Somary, founder and music director of Amor Artis, died on February 1. Read the obituary by Susan Elliott and the one in The New York Times. (2011-2-3)
  • New York Festival of Song takes to the airwaves with "No Song Is Safe from Us!", a new 13-segment NYFOS radio series produced by Chicago's WFMT and hosted by Frederica von Stade, beginning Sunday, January 2, 2011, 9 PM (EST) on Chicago's WFMT Network (98.7 FM in Chicago) and streaming online at www.wfmt.com. (2010-12-30)
  • Kent Tritle hosts "The Choral Mix" every Sunday at 7 AM with an encore broadcast at 11 PM on WQXR (105.9 FM and live on the web at www.wqxr.org). Each week, Kent will explore a different aspect of the choral scene in New York and beyond. For more details (and to catch shows you've missed), visit www.wqxr.org/programs/choral/. (2010-12-21)
  • In Transit is a new a cappella musical now playing Off-Broadway at Primary Stages. For details, visit primarystages.org/intransit. (2010-9-22)
  • At its annual award ceremony in May 2010, ASCAP honored New York Virtuoso Singers founder, conductor and artistic director Harold Rosenbaum with the Victor Herbert Award, an honor named after the organization's founder, in honor of Rosenbaum's tenure as a leader in the field of contemporary American choral music. For more information, visit www.haroldrosenbaum.com. (2010-9-22)
  • Mark Trautman has been appointed Director of Music at St. Paul's Church in Englewood, NJ. (2010-8-15)
  • Cerddorion has selected James A. John as the ensemble's new artistic director. (2010-7-28)
  • Julian Wachner has been named Director of Music and the Arts for Trinity Wall Street, the historic Episcopal parish in Lower Manhattan. Wachner will oversee all liturgical, professional and community music and arts programming at Trinity Church and St. Paul's Chapel. For more information, visit www.trinitywallstreet.org/news/articles/julian-j-wachner-named-director-of-music-and-the-arts. (2010-7-20)
  • Cantori New York is the 2010 recipient of Chorus America/ASCAP's prestigious Adventurous Programming Award. The award "recognizes choruses that demonstrate a commitment to performances of choral music written in the last 25 years." Cantori is receiving this award in recognition of its 2008-2009 season and is one of only three non-professional choruses in the United States (and the only chorus east of California) to have received the Adventurous Programming Award three times. ASCAP also honored Cantori in 1997 and 2000. (2010-7-7)
  • Schola Cantorum on Hudson has announced that Andrew P. Jones has been elected chair of the board of directors and that Scott Pollack has been elected a director, both effective July 1, 2010. (2010-7-1)
  • Central City Chorus has appointed Phillip Cheah as music director for the 2010-2011 30th anniversary season. (2010-7-1)
  • The Dessoff Choirs has selected Christopher Shepard to be its new music director. For details, visit www.dessoff.org. (2010-6-6)
  • David Randolph, founder of the Masterwork Chorus and longtime conductor of the St. Cecilia Chorus, has died at age 95. See the obituary in The New York Times. (2010-5-15)
  • The Trinity Choir has been invited by the Mark Morris Dance Group to provide the music for a performance of Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas as part of the Golden Mask Theater Festival in Moscow. The performances are scheduled for March 24 and 25, 2010 at the Kolobov Novaya Opera Theatre of Moscow, Russia. (2010-3-22)
  • The John Link Project announces the release of its new CD, 24 Preludes of Frédéric Chopin. The CD documents the 2007 world premiere of John Link's arrangements for five singers, guitar, bass, drums and violin of Chopin's 24 Preludes, Opus 28, published for solo piano in 1839. Visit www.cdbaby.com/johnlinkproject to hear samples from the CD. (2010-1-15)
  • Applications are now being accepted for the New York Regional competition of The Harmony Sweepstakes, a nationwide a cappella festival, which will take place at The Miller Theatre at Columbia University on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 7:00 PM. For details, see the ad in the Info Exchange. (2010-1-4)
  • Voices of Ascension received a Grammy nomination for Song of the Stars, a recording released in June 2009 featuring music by Catalan composers Pablo Casals, Enrique Granados, Enrique Morera, Manuel Oltra and Manuel Blancafort. For more information, visit www.voicesofascension.org. (2009-12-11)
  • The Times Beacon Record, covering the north shore of Long Island, has an article profiling the Long Island Symphonic Choral Association's season, including the group's upcoming December 12 concert. (2009-12-2)
  • Backing Ray Davies in classic Kinks hits, The Dessoff Choirs makes its first Letterman appearance Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 11:35 PM on CBS. (2009-11-17)
  • With the departure of founder Nicholas White, TheTiffany Consort has been reconstituted and renamed as TENET. (2009-11-5)
  • Joseph Flummerfelt, Chorus Master of the New York Philharmonic and the 2004 Musical America Conductor of the Year, will be guest conductor for the 2010 summer session of Umbrian Serenades, a choral and cultural program for choral enthusiasts based in Spoleto, Italy. Visit www.umbrianserenades.com for more information. (2009-10-24)
  • Anne Kollar is the new conductor of The Babylon Chorale. (2009-9-8)
  • John Guarente is the new director of the Highland Park Community Chorus. (2009-8-25)
  • James Bagwell will leave his position as music director of The Dessoff Choirs to become the music director of The Collegiate Chorale. (2009-7-10)
  • Visit YouTube to view a CBS Sunday Morning feature follow-up to the recent Chorus America study of choral singing in the US. (2009-6-30)
  • Singing is good for you! So says a new study by Chorus America that finds that singing "is strongly correlated with qualities that are associated with success throughout life." Read the full story at www.chorusamerica.org/about_choralsinging.cfm. (2009-6-8)
  • See TimeOut New York's article on the best a cappella groups in New York City. (2009-4-1)
  • Constance Chase is the new music director of the Connecticut Chamber Choir. She succeeds Richard Erickson, founder and director of the group for 30 years, who retired in April 2008. (2009-3-14)
  • Here are the results from the New York Regional Harmony Sweepstakes, held March 7 at the Miller Theatre, as provided by producer Colette Thompson. Best original song: "We Rub," written and arranged by John McMahon of Rub. Best original arrangement: "Damaged," arranged by Nick Fox of Kelso. Audience favorite: Cartoon Johnny. Best solo: Julie Seda of Classic Sounds for "At Last." Third place: Classic Sounds. Second place: Rub. First place: Cartoon Johnny. (2009-3-10)
  • Hear all 185 solo vocal works of Charles Ives, the recalcitrant master of the art song, during the Ives Vocal Marathon, January 29 to February 1, 2009 at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. For the first time, these songs will be performed end-to-end in one venue, in six concerts, supplemented with selected instrumental pieces, additional lectures and panel discussions by Ives authorities. Organized by Ives scholar, composer, pianist and educator Neely Bruce, the Marathon is the culmination of a four-year presentation of these songs in 14 major concerts and many smaller recitals. For details, visit www.ivesvocalmarathon.com. (2009-1-12)
  • Fenno Heath, choral composer, arranger and director of the Yale Glee Club from 1953 to 1992, died on December 5. For more about Fenno Heath, visit www.fennoheath.blogspot.com. (2008-12-6)
  • Christopher Clowdus is the new artistic director of the Empire City Men's Chorus. (2008-9-13)
  • Robert Bass, Music Director of the Collegiate Chorale, has died. He was 55. See the obituary in The New York Times. (2008-8-26)
  • Read about the New York City chapter of the Complaints Choir in this article from the Village Voice. (2008-8-15)
  • David Labovitz, conductor of the Choral Symphony Society and the New York Cantata Singers, passed away at age 92 in June 2008. A memorial concert will take place at 2 PM on what would have been his 93rd birthday, August 13, at Christ & St. Stephen's Church, 120 West 69th Street. (2008-7-23)
  • Kristina Boerger has been selected as the "Outstanding Choral Director" of the year by the New York State chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. (2008-7-20)
  • Chorus America has created Singer Network, "the first members-only web community for, by, and about choral singers." (2008-5-27)
  • American Composers Alliance has announced that conductor Harold Rosenbaum will be this year's recipient of the prestigious Laurel Leaf Award, to be awarded during the upcoming ACA Festival of American Music on Wednesday, June 4 at 7:30 PM at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space. The Laurel Leaf Award has been presented annually since 1951 to individuals and organizations in recognition of distinguished achievement in fostering and encouraging the performance of new American works. Among the recipients of the Laurel Leaf have been the Juilliard String Quartet, Leonard Slatkin, Gunther Schuller, Leopold Stokowski, George Szell, Minnesota Composers Forum, the American Music Center, the Los Angeles Philharmonic New Music Group and, last year, cellist Fred Sherry. For more information, visit acafestival.blogspot.com/2008/04/2008-laurel-leaf-award-goes-to-harold.html. (2008-5-25)
  • Get 25% off tickets to G&S Fest 2008, presented by the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players at City Center. This year's festival runs from June 6 to June 15 and features four great shows: H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and The Gondoliers. Call CityTix at 212-581-1212 and mention code GSD or visit www.nycitycenter.org and enter code 3686. (2008-4-30)
  • Make Music New York (MMNY) is a live, free musical celebration across the city that will take place this year on Saturday, June 21. On this day, the first day of summer, public spaces throughout the five boroughs -- sidewalks, parks, community gardens and more -- will become impromptu music stages, dance floors and social meeting points. Thousands of amateur musicians, in every genre, will play on the sidewalks for the biggest crowds of their lives. Professional musicians will pique the interest of new audiences, who will hear unfamiliar groups and styles of music risk- and cost-free. Last year's MMNY included 560 free concerts with 1,927 musicians, and this year's event will be even bigger. For more information, visit www.makemusicny.org. (2008-4-21)
  • Dr. Jonathan Babcock has announced that he is stepping down as artistic director and conductor of the Empire City Men's Chorus. His final performance with the Chorus will be in a joint concert with the Astoria Symphony May 17 and 18. Dr. Babcock has accepted a teaching position at Texas State University near Austin. He has led the Empire City Men's Chorus, formerly the Gay Gotham Chorus, since 2001. (2008-4-20)
  • Here are the results from the New York Regional Harmony Sweepstakes, held March 22 at Symphony Space, as provided by producer Colette Thompson. Best original song: "Al Hanissim," written and arranged by Mike Boxer of Six13. Best original arrangement: "Friend in Need," arranged by Red No. 5. Audience favorite: 'Round Midnight. Honorable mentions: Cut Time and DoubleShot! Third place: L5. Second place: 'Round Midnight. First place: Red No. 5. (2008-3-24)
  • Kent Tritle has succeeded the late Richard Westenburg as Music Director of Musica Sacra. (2008-3-5)
  • Richard Westenburg, 75, founder and conductor of the Musica Sacra Chorus and Orchestra, has died. Read his obituary in The New York Times. (2008-2-21)
  • Owen Burdick, organist and music director at Trinity Church in lower Manhattan, resigned on January 7. See the article in The New York Times. (2008-1-12)
  • Audition tapes/CDs are currently being accepted from vocal groups interested in participating in the New York Regional competition of The Harmony Sweepstakes, a nationwide a cappella festival, which will take place at Peter Norton Symphony Space on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 7:00 PM. For details, see the ad in the Info Exchange. (2008-1-2)
  • Make Me a Song: The Music of William Finn features the songs from the Tony-Award winning composer's well-known shows in addition to rarely heard selections from Romance in Hard Times, Elegies, and the yet-to-be-produced The Royal Family. Mr. Finn, currently represented on Broadway with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is the writer/composer of the Tony Award-winning breakthrough musical Falsettos (written with James Lapine). He has also written and composed In Trousers, March of the Falsettos, Falsettoland, Romance in Hard Times, A New Brain and Elegies: A Song Cycle. Discounted tickets for $39.50 are available for shows through December 23. To take advantage of this offer, visit Broadwayoffers.com and enter the code MSGMD25, call 212-947-8844 and mention code MSGMD25, or bring a printed copy of this page to the box office at the New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues). Fine print: Each order is limited to 8 tickets. Offer is subject to availability and prior sale; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Additional blackout dates may apply. No refunds or exchanges. Price includes facility fee; telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees. (2007-12-15)
  • Scott Turkington is the new artistic director of Westchester's Charis Chamber Voices. (2007-9-15)
  • Dr. McNeil Robinson has been named new Organist/Choirmaster at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, succeeding Mr. Christopher Berry, who leaves to become Director of Music at the Pontifical North American College, Vatican City. (2007-8-21)
  • Benjamin Niemczyk is the new director of the Westchester Oratorio Society. (2007-8-3)
  • Results are in from the New York Regional Harmony Sweepstakes, held April 7 at Symphony Space. Best Original Song: "Optimism", written and arranged by Erik Levitt of Vocal Heights.. Best Arrangement: "You're Daddy Don't Know / 80s Medley", arranged by Nicholas Fox of Undercover. Audience Favorite: The Fault Line. Third Place: Invisible Men. Second Place: Undercover. Champion: The Fault Line. (2007-4-8)
  • CASA's East Coast A Cappella Summit will be held March 23-25, 2007 in Reston, VA. For details, visit www.casa.org/eastcoastsummit. (2007-2-18)
  • Professional musicians: NYC Performing Arts Spaces is sponsoring "Where Can We Work", a major study of individual musicians' workspace issues in New York City. The study is funded by the New York State Music Fund. Findings will be a catalyst for public and private sector workspace support, a more focused arts policy, and a networked music community. This is your chance to say how workspace issues affect your ability to rehearse, perform, teach and compose in New York City. You are the stakeholders: To be counted (and all survey responses are anonymous), you must pre-register by February 14 for the online survey, which will be e-mailed in early March. Link to www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=175573030839 to pre-register, and pass this along to your fellow musicians. (2007-2-5)
  • Antioch's forthcoming CD release has been postponed, so the group's CD release concert on March 3 has been cancelled. (2007-2-1)
  • Harmonium Choral Society is sponsoring a Choral Musicianship Workshop Series that provides a fabulous array of musical education and experiences. On Sunday, March 11, Heather Buchanan, Director of Choral Activities at Montclair State University, will begin the series with a workshop on The Structures and Movement of Breathing. On Sunday, April 15, Susan Hellauer, founding member of Anonymous 4, will lead a workshop on Shape-Note Singing and Early American Music. Capping the series will be A Spring Musical Celebration: Spirituals, Gospel and Soul! on Sunday, April 29, led by J. Donald Dumpson, Sacred Music faculty member at Westminster Choir College. For more information, visit www.harmonium.org. (2007-1-30)
  • Composer Daniel Pinkham died on Monday, December 18. He was 83. (2006-12-22)
  • Zingt! A Celebration of Yiddish Choral Music is the brand new CD from the Jewish People's Philharmonic Chorus, Binyumen Schaechter, conductor, featuring never-before-recorded Yiddish choral music. For more info (and to order), go to www.thejppc.org and click on "Our CD". (2006-11-11)
  • NYC Performing Arts Spaces received a grant from the NY State Music Fund for the study “Where Can We Work?” Using online surveys, the study will find out from individual professional musicians in New York State how rehearsal, performance and recording facilities and other workspace-related factors foster or impede their ability to get their music heard. To learn more, visit www.nycPASpaces.org or see the ad in the Info Exchange. (2006-10-20)
  • J. D. Burnett is the new director of the New Jersey Chamber Singers. (2006-8-22)
  • See the Info Exchange for information about September Concert, an effort to fill the skies with music each September 11 to honor the victims and to remember the events of September 11, 2001. (2006-8-8)
  • The Giant Tag Sale to benefit the Westchester Concert Singers will be held Friday through Sunday, September 29 through October 1, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 107 Bedford Road (corner of Manville/Route 117), Pleasantville, NY. The sale features furniture, appliances, books, comics, jewelry, toys, LPs, music, bric-a-brac, clothes, etc. For information about rain dates or to donate tax-deductible items, call (914) 769-9309. (2006-8-4)
  • David Thye is the new director of the Park Slope Singers. (2006-7-26)
  • 3/21 marks the 321st birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach. (2006-3-21)
  • Results from the New York Regional of the Harmony Sweepstakes, held February 25 at Symphony Space: first place, 'Round Midnight; second place, Blue Jupiter; third place, High 5 Vocalworks. 'Round Midnight also won Audience Favorite. Best arrangement went to Time After Time by Blue Jupiter. Best original song went to Mrs. Minahan by Crush on Janice. Vocal Area Network's Steve Friedman was one of seven judges. (2006-2-26)
  • CASA's East Coast A Cappella Summit will take place March 17-19, 2006 at Oswego High School in Oswego, NY. This international vocal music festival features cutting edge a cappella concerts, high school and college competitions and riveting master-classes taught by performers from all over the world including Broadway, Las Vegas, national television and radio. Among the performers: Blue Jupiter, Riltons Vanner, Sons of Pitches, Vote for Pedro, Adam Matta, Yo-Yo Beats, Jeff Thacher, Wes Carroll and Rene Ruiz. For details, visit www.casa.org/eastcoastsummit. (2006-2-2)
  • The Acchords will be doing an in-studio interview with Johnny Z. on his Rock and Roll Revival Show on WFAS-FM (103.9 FM in Westchester) on February 5, 2006. The show begins at 8:00 PM; The Acchords will be on at 9:00. (2006-1-26)
  • NPR's All Things Considered ran a commentary on January 16, "Community Choruses: Singing and Happiness", by Michelle Mercer about her experience singing with New Jersey's Harmonium. (2006-1-17)
  • Audition tapes/CDs are currently being accepted from vocal groups interested in participating in the New York Regional competition of The Harmony Sweepstakes, a nationwide a cappella festival, which will take place at Peter Norton Symphony Space on Saturday, February 25, 2006 at 8:00 PM. For details, see the ad in the Info Exchange. (2006-1-15)
  • Timothy Vernon, beloved music director of Choral Arts Society, Inc. (choralartssociety.org) and St. Mary the Virgin in Chappaqua, died December 28, 2005 after a brief illness. Tim was an accomplished composer, conductor, professor, music scholar and devoted teacher of adults and children. Remembrances may be viewed and posted at www.lmk88.org/guestbook/guestbook.html. (2006-1-11)
  • The Westchester Choral Society has appointed Frank Nemhauser as its new music director. (2005-12-29)
  • Mark Bailey now directs the Westchester Concert Singers. (2005-10-15)
  • Lyndon Woodside, director of the Oratorio Society of New York for the past 32 years, has died of pneumonia. He was 70. (2005-8-25)
  • Eric Dale Knapp is the new conductor of the New Jersey Choral Society. Cantor Vicki L. Axe now leads Kol Rinah. (2005-8-17)
  • The Young New Yorkers' Chorus announces its second annual Competition for Young Composers. Composers under the age of 30 are eligible to apply. Work samples must be received by October 1; three finalists will be commissioned to compose new works on a text of Shakespeare for YNYC. Prizes range from $500-$1,000. For details and an application, please visit www.ynyc.org/competition.html. (2005-8-8)
  • Ebony Voices for Education choir will sing the National Anthem at the New York Liberty's WNBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden on August 14, 2005. Game time is 4 PM. (2005-8-8)
  • The Dessoff Choirs has announced that James Bagwell has been selected as its new Music Director, the seventh in its eighty-one year history. Bagwell’s appointment caps off an extensive fifteen-month search process. (2005-7-28)
  • Read Douglas Frank's review of "Tenebrae" by the Christopher Caines Dance Company at Danspace Project at St. Mark's Church. (2005-6-22)
  • The New York Choral Society has found an alternate location for the latter portion of its summer sing schedule. Sings from July 26 through August 23 will be held at The Liederkranz Club, 6 East 87th Street (just off Fifth Avenue). Sings from July 7 through July 21 will be held, as usual, at CAMI Hall. The re-located sings have been restored to the Concert Calendar. (2005-6-21)
  • Correction from the New York Choral Society: demolition next to CAMI Hall begins July 22, so summer sings will take place up until July 21. The rest of the schedule is in question. We've updated the Concert Calendar listings based on this information. Check the New York Choral Society website at www.nychoral.org for updates. (2005-5-25)
  • Because of demolition work at the site next to CAMI Hall that will last until July 22, the early part of the New York Choral Society's schedule of Summer Sings is a bit up in the air. Concert Calendar postings through July 21 have been removed until the group determines a course of action. Check the New York Choral Society website at www.nychoral.org for updates. (2005-5-23)
  • The Westchester Chordsmen Chorus, a 52-year-old chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, coming off rave notices for their April 30, 2005 "Chord of the Rings" shows, was crowned "Chorus Champion" in regional competition on May 14, 2005 in Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania. Led by Director Dusty Schleier, the 93-man chorus bested competitors from several states. (2005-5-22)
  • Saturday, May 21, 2005 has been proclaimed "Riverdale Choral Society Day" in the City of New York by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, "...in recognition of four decades of fine choral music..." (2005-5-20)
  • Pacific Northwest regional champs Groove For Thought took top honors May 7 by being crowned National Champions at the Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival National Finals. For details, visit www.acappellanews.com. (2005-5-10)
  • The debut CD from ZAZ, a contemporary vocal quartet based in New York, is entitled In Other Words and features vocal quartet arrangements by Elise Bretton. (2005-4-19)
  • After seven years, Nicholas White has left his position as Organist and Choirmaster at St. Michael's Church to pursue new musical opportunities in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Tony Furnivall is the new interim Organist and Choirmaster at St. Michael's. (2005-4-4)
  • During the weekend of April 8-10, 2005, The Musicians' Alliance for Peace (MAP) will again present a local Music for Peace Festival to coincide with their global Music for Peace Project. Three days of concerts, films, panel discussions and lectures will be presented on the campus of Stony Brook University and will benefit Long Island charities and the Asian Tsunami relief effort. For more information, visit www.m4p.org. (2005-3-26)
  • Matthew Lewis is the new director of the St. George's Choral Society. (2005-3-20)
  • Albert Friedman, 72, died on March 9 after a six-month battle with cancer and other ailments. Mr. Friedman, father of VAN founder Steve Friedman, was a great lover of vocal ensemble music and an energetic supporter of Vocal Area Network and its activities. Funeral services will be held on March 11 at 10 AM at Plaza Funeral Home, Amsterdam Avenue at 91st Street. (2005-3-10)
  • Results are in from the New York Regional of the Harmony Sweepstakes, held February 26 at Symphony Space. First place: Traces; second place: Autri (aka The Georgians Vocal Ensemble); third Place: Mystery Date. Best Arrangement: Uncle Baz and the Jive Street Five. Audience Favorite: Invisible Men. (2005-3-1)
  • The Westchester Concert Singers, chorus-in-residence of Pace University located in Pleasantville, NY, is pleased to announce it has selected Mark Bailey as its new Music Director starting with its 2005-2006 concert season. In the fall of 2005, Mr. Bailey will replace John Daly Goodwin who, for the last ten years, has directed the chorus and was its second director in its fifty-year history. For more information, visit www.westchesterconcertsingers.org. (2005-2-27)
  • The Brooklyn Youth Chorus Academy has won a Grammy award in the Best Classical Album category for its first commercial CD, a recording of John Adams’s Pulitzer Prize winning On the Transmigration of Souls with the New York Philharmonic. (2005-2-15)
  • Harmonium Choral Society will hold its annual Choral Musicianship Workshop on April 2, 2005, 9 AM to 4 PM, at Grace Episcopal Church, Madison Avenue at Kings Road, Madison, NJ. Phyllis Clark, soloist, chamber musician, conductor and music educator will be joined by her Dalcroze teacher Joy Kane to lead a process-oriented voice/body day. Registration required by March 28: $60; $50 if by March 15; $10 off for students. The fee includes substantial refreshments. Call 973-538-6969 or visit www.harmonium.org. (2005-2-13)
  • Vocal Area Network's longtime web host, Panix, had its principal domain (www.panix.com) hijacked on January 15, causing disruptions for Panix users and for VAN visitors. The folks at Panix have worked diligently to reclaim their rightful domain, and, as of January 16, things are mostly back to normal. (2005-1-16)
  • The Down Town Glee Club male chorus is now performing as The Downtown Singers. (2005-1-5)
  • The new CD release from Duwende is entitled Radio Screaming. The group celebrates the release with a concert at The Baggot Inn on January 8. (2004-12-29)
  • The Harmony Sweepstakes, a nationwide a cappella festival, returns to the Peter Norton Symphony Space for its 14th annual New York regional competition on Saturday, February 26, 2005 at 8:00 PM. To begin the application for entry into this competition, groups should visit www.harmony-sweepstakes.com/enter.html and complete an online submission form. (2004-12-13)
  • O Magnum Mysterium: Music for the Christmas Season is the first CD release by The Tiffany Consort, Nicholas White, music director. The group celebrates the debut of the disc with a party at the parish house of St. Michael's Church, 225 West 99th Street, on Thursday, December 2 at 7:00 PM. (2004-11-22)
  • The Young New Yorkers' Chorus is pleased to announce the First Annual Young New Yorkers' Chorus Competition for Young Composers. The application deadline is November 5. For details, visit www.ynyc.org/competition.html. (2004-10-13)
  • CASA's East Coast A Cappella Summit celebrates all-vocal music with a weekend of concerts and master classes, October 29-31 at Tufts University's Cohen Auditorium/Aidekman Arts Center, 40 Talbot Avenue, Medford, MA. The Summit will feature all-vocal performances by 6th Wave, All About Buford, Ball In the House, Barry Carl (formerly of Rockapella), Blue Jupiter, Boston Elements, Wes Carroll of the House Jacks, Downtown Crossing, Bill Hare, Minimum Wage, Scritch, Similar Jones, Vocal Spectrum, Yo Yo Beats (NYC Beatboxer) the Tufts Amalgamates, Shir Appeal, The Boston University Dear Abbeys and others. Concerts are Friday 8 PM, Saturday 1 PM, Saturday 8 PM and Sunday 2 PM. Seminars are 9-5 Saturday, 9-4 Sunday. Tickets range from $5 to $55. Details are at www.casa.org/eastcoastsummit. (2004-10-11)
  • Harmony, Inc.'s 45th Annual Contest & Convention for quartets takes place November 11-13 at the Riverside Convention Center in Rochester, NY. For more information, visit www.harmonyinc.org/events/icc2004.htm or call 508-668-1006. (2004-9-27)
  • Cynthia Powell is the new artistic director of the St. George's Choral Society. (2004-9-15)
  • The Central City Chorus, now in its 24th season, is proud to announce the selection of its new Music Director, Mark Kaczmarczyk. Mr. Kaczmarczyk previously served as Director of Opera and Professor of Voice at the University of Oregon from 2000 to 2004 and as Artistic Director of the Detroit Oratorio Society from 1991 to 2000. (2004-9-11)
  • A "Giant Tag Sale" to benefit the Westchester Concert Singers will take place on Saturday, October 9 (rain date: October 10) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 107 Bedford Road (corner of Manville), Pleasantville, NY. Offered: furniture, appliances, clothing, jewelry, baked goods, toys, bric-a-brac. To donate tax-deductible items to the sale, call 914-666-2747. (2004-8-31)
  • James Busby is the new conductor of the Grace Choral Society of Brooklyn. (2004-8-30)
  • Dr. Ronald Lawson is the new music director at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in the Bronx. (2004-8-18)
  • The Sound Shore Chorale of New Rochelle has announced the appointment of Richard Slade as its new music director. (2004-8-18)
  • Herbert Bradensten is the new director of Long Island's Bel Canto Chorale. (2004-8-16)
  • The Raritan Valley Choral Society has announced the appointment of Rodney Briscoe as artistic director and conductor, effective July 1, 2004. (2004-5-17)
  • Results are in from the national Harmony Sweepstakes finals, held May 8 in San Rafael, CA. National Grand Champions: Chapter 6 (Chicago); second place: Clockwork (San Francisco); third place (tie): Mosaic (Mid Atlantic) and Inpulse (Rocky Mountain). Audience Favorite was Chapter 6. Best Original Song: "Obsession," by Marcus Hanson of Inpulse. Best Original Arrangement: "Theme And Variations On It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing, " by Mark Grizzard of Chapter 6. (2004-5-14)
  • Michael Holland and Karen Mack have been nominated for a MAC (Manhattan Association of Clubs) Award as the year's best vocal duo/group. Winners will be announced on May 17. (2004-4-25)
  • Minimum Wage returns to off-Broadway with their new limited-engagement show Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, May 7 to June 26 at Dillons Theater (and Burger Barn), 245 West. 54th Street (just off Broadway). Purchase tickets ($30) at www.smarttix.com or call 212-868-4444. (2004-4-20)
  • NYC Music Places (www.nycmusicplaces.org) has added a Musicians' Classifieds page. (2004-4-18)
  • "Brahms, His Life, His Times, His Requiem", an illustrated lecture, will be presented by Garyth Nair at 8 PM on Monday, April 19, at Brothers College Chapel, Drew University campus, Madison, NJ. Tickets for the lecture are $10 at the door. Maestro Nair is Professor of Music at Drew University, where he conducts the University Chorale and Orchestra and is also Director of Vocal Studies. For more information, call 973-292-1186 or visit www.summitchorale.org. (2004-4-8)
  • On Saturday, May 15, The Western Wind offers a "Big Apple Workshop in Ensemble Singing" at the Village Community School, 272 West 10th Street. For details, visit www.westernwind.org. (2004-3-28)
  • Bobby McFerrin will be teaching "Spontaneous Inventions", a five-day workshop at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY May 30 to June 4. For details, visit the Omega website or call 800-944-1001. (2004-3-21)
  • The 2004 Long Island Arts Council at Freeport's Choral Composition Contest has awarded First Prize of $500 to Alan Higbee of Beachwood, Ohio, for his setting of Tagore's My Song Shall Speak. The work will be performed by the Bel Canto Chorale at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City on May 8th at 8 PM. Christopher M. Wicks of Silverton, Oregon received an Honorary Mention for his setting of Psalm 98. (2004-3-10)
  • Richard Garrin has been appointed music director of New Jersey's Summit Chorale beginning with the 2004-05 season. He will succeed Garyth Nair, who is stepping down after 34 seasons. (2004-3-8)
  • Vox Bop was crowned the winner of the New York Regional of the Harmony Sweepstakes, held February 21 at Symphony Space. Second place went to High Five, with Duwende third. Sons of Pitches were the audience favorite, and best arrangement went to Israel's rendition of the The Star-Spangled Banner. (2004-2-21)
  • The first New York Early Music Celebration, created to promote New York’s early music artists, will be held Friday, October 1, through Sunday, October 10, 2004. For details, visit www.nyemc.org. (2004-2-1)
  • City Bar Chorus has just been named NY1 television's New Yorkers of the Week. To view NY1's 3-minute profile of the chorus, visit www.ny1.com/OnTheAir/nyer_of_the_week.html. (2004-2-1)
  • Christine Hoffman, Music Administrator at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, has been elected to the Board of Directors of ChoralNet, the international Internet center for choral music. ChoralNet is the central portal to online resources and communications for the global choral music community, including the Musica Virtual Choral Library, the mailing lists Choralist, ChoralTalk and ChoralAcademe, and numerous web forums, repertoire lists and other resources. (2004-1-17)
  • The Times of December 23 has an article about the big role Sacred Harp singing has in the new movie "Cold Mountain." (2003-12-23)
  • Applications are now being accepted for the New York Regional competition of The Harmony Sweepstakes, a nationwide a cappella festival, which will take place at Peter Norton Symphony Space on Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 8:00 PM. For details, see the ad in the Info Exchange under "Services / opportunities." (2003-12-22)
  • Geoffrey Fairweather is the new conductor of the New Jersey Symphony Community Chorus. (2003-11-16)
  • The St. Cecilia Chorus cordially invites the public to a wine and cheese reception and lecture by St. Cecilia conductor David Randolph on November 18, 2003 at 5:30 PM at the Arader Galleries, 1016 Madison Avenue (between 78th and 79th Streets) in Manhattan. Mr. Randolph’s talk will provide an analysis of the Haydn Mass No. 12 in B Flat Major, "Theresienmesse" and the Mozart "Great" Mass in C minor, K427, both of which will be performed in Carnegie Hall on Saturday, December 6. The cost to attend the reception/lecture is $40 per person. For more information regarding the reception, lecture and the Carnegie Hall concert, please call (646) 638-2535, or visit www.stceciliachorus.org. (2003-11-10)
  • Read After 75 years, Down Town Glee Club still singing in the October 21-27 issue of Downtown Express. (2003-10-22)
  • The November 15 performance by The Sixteen at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola has been cancelled. (2003-10-7)
  • Mark Terenzi is the new conductor of the Bloomfield Chorale (formerly the Bloomfield Civic Chorus). (2003-9-28)
  • The Jewish Theological Seminary and the Milken Archive of American Jewish Music in cooperation with The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, National Foundation for Jewish Culture, Commission on Synagogue Music of Reform Judaism and the Zamir Choral Foundation present "Only in America: Jewish Music in a Land of Freedom," an international conference and festival heralding the 350th anniversary of American Jewry, to be held in New York City November 7-11, 2003. For details, visit the conference web site. (2003-9-17)
  • Polyhymnia has been named ensemble-in-residence at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church on the Upper West Side. (2003-9-11)
  • Read Doug Frank's review of the Mostly Mozart performance by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Dessoff Choirs on the Dance Insider site. (2003-8-18)
  • Jeanette T. Hile is the new director of the Morris Choral Society, effective with the 2003-04 season. Ms. Hile is an experienced soloist, director and musical educator. Since 1980 she has been a moving force in the music program of Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ where she is currently the Chair of Art and Music. (2003-7-25)
  • Anne Matlack, artistic director of the Harmonium Choral Society, has been recognized by the Arts Council of the Morris (NJ) Area as the 2003 Outstanding Arts Professional. (2003-7-6)
  • An article in The Times of June 22 entitled "The Big Sing" profiles several Westchester choirs. (2003-6-22)
  • The Dennis Keene Choral Festival will be in residence at New York’s historic Church of the Ascension on August 1, 2 and 3, 2003. Since 1998, "Keenefest" has provided a unique opportunity for committed avocational choral singers to study, rehearse and perform side-by-side with established conductors, serious conducting students, and dedicated faculty, all in pursuit of the highest levels of the choral art. This year’s workshop seeks serious choral singers and conductors from area choruses to rehearse and perform some of the best-loved choral repertoire of all time, including the Kyrie from the Duruflé Requiem, Elgar’s The Spirit of the Lord, the Haydn Lord Nelson Mass, Ireland’s Greater Love and the Fauré Requiem. The festival culminates in a special service at Church of the Ascension, prepared under the direct supervision of Dennis Keene. Interested singers should apply through the Keenefest website at www.keenefest.com or contact the festival office at (212) 358-1469. (2003-6-19)
  • The Connecticut Master Chorale took first place for the third year in a row in the annual McDonald's Gospelfest competition, held on May 25 at the Palace Theater in Stamford. This year, about 50,000 groups and individuals auditioned in various categories: adult choirs, youth choirs, soloists, praise dancers and poets. The Master Chorale competed in the Adult Choir category with a rousing spiritual called Goin' to Bethlehem which the group performed in its Holiday Prelude Concert last November and at the White House last Christmas. (2003-5-29)
  • The American Boychoir School is a boy's boarding school in Princeton, New Jersey. The New York Times and ABCs Nightline described decades of alleged abuse by staff and teachers. Time Magazine wrote that some of the most heartbreaking allegations of sexual abuse are coming from former students at the American Boychoir. www.americanboyschoir.com is a site designed in cooperation with several alumni of the school who were victims of sexual abuse. (2003-5-15)
  • The latest issue (issue 49) of the American Music Center's online magazine New Music Box is all about choral music and choral music singers. (2003-5-12)
  • Results are in from the 19th annual Harmony Sweepstakes national championship, held May 3 in San Rafael, CA. National champion: The Idea of North; second place: moosebutter; third place: Cadence. Audience favorite: The Idea of North. Best original arrangement: Mas Que Nada (Andrew Piper, The Idea of North). Best original song: Psycho: The Musical (moosebutter). (2003-5-11)
  • Anthony Tommasini's "Stravinsky's Psalm on Psalm Singing" in The Times of May 11 offers a preview of the upcoming Met Orchestra and Chorus performance of the Symphony of Psalms. (2003-5-11)
  • Peter Shlosser is the new director of the New York City Labor Chorus. (2003-5-11)
  • The Dessoff Choirs has renewed its support for Vocal Area Network as a Gold Sustaining Member. (2003-4-29)
  • The recent Bach performances by the Gabrieli Consort and Players of London are reviewed in The Times of April 22. (2003-4-22)
  • Thanks to the support of the Hungarian Cultural Center of New York, the Westchester Chorale's May 3 concert, "The Hungarian Connection: Sacred and Profane," has become a significant Hungarian cultural event. Hungarian cimbalom player Robert Gorcsi assists the Chorale in a program of Lizst, Bartok and Kodaly. The event also features a photographic exhibit, "Cities of the Kings," with works of Hungarian photographers Peter Antall and Csaba Gedai. For details, see the listing in the Concert Calendar or contact Judith Wartels at judybud@earthlink.net. (2003-4-22)
  • Cantori New York's April 13 concert is reviewed in The Times of April 18. (2003-4-18)
  • Karen Mack and Michael Holland took top honors as Best Vocal Duo/Group of 2003 at the 17th annual MAC Awards, presented April 14 by the Manhattan Association of Clubs & Cabarets. (2003-4-16)
  • Results from the New York Regional of the Harmony Sweepstakes, held April 5 at Symphony Space: first place, Cadence; second place, Pieces of 8; third place, Moondance. Cadence also won Audience Favorite. Best arrangement went to Blue Meridian by Pieces of 8. (2003-4-8)
  • This summer's Dennis Keene Choral Festival for singers and conductors, entitiled "A Weekend in New York," takes place August 1-3 at the Church of the Ascension. For details, visit www.keenefest.com. (2003-4-7)
  • The International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella finals on April 26 will feature the following competitors: University of Oregon On the Rocks (West), North Carolina State Grains of Time (South), Penn State Pennharmonics (MidWest), Binghamton Crosbys (MidAtlantic), University of Maine Steiners (New England/Central Canada) and the Amherst College Zumbyes (Northeast). The event will be hosted by the CARA-winning, Juno-nominated Cadence, from Toronto. For details, see the VAN Concert Calendar. (2003-3-26)
  • The lineup's been set for The New York Regionals of the Harmony Sweepstakes, to be held April 5 at Symphony Space. Groups participating are Cadence, The Fonic, Moondance, Mystery Date, Mystique, Pieces of 8, Sneaky Sis and Voxy. See the Concert Calendar for details. (2003-3-20)
  • Boosey & Hawkes has launched a choral series edited by Francisco J. Núñez, composer and artistic director of the Young People's Chorus of New York City (YPC), of YPC-commissioned compositions the choir has premiered at its annual Transient Glory concerts. Mr. Núñez developed both the Transient Glory concerts and publication series to advance the art of children’s choirs throughout the world and to encourage composers to write for such ensembles. The first work published in the Transient Glory series is Song of Ezekiel by Michael Torke. The four-minute, 40-second piece for three-part treble voices and piano was premiered at YPC's first Transient Glory concert in 2001. For more information, visit www.boosey.com or www.ypc.org. (2003-3-18)
  • Nanette deLucia, President of the New Haven Chorale, has announced the appointment of Dr. Edward Bolkovac as Music Director of the Chorale beginning with the 2003-2004 season. Dr. Bolkovac was selected from among sixty candidates from across the United States. He will succeed Dr. Paul Mueller, who has served with distinction as Music Director and Conductor of the New Haven Chorale for twenty years, and whose tenure with the Chorale will be celebrated at the Chorale’s final concert of the 2002-2003 season on Saturday, May 10, 2003. (2003-3-14)
  • The Riverdale Choral Society has been accepted provisionally to sing in the 2004 Estonian United Song Festival to be held July 2-4, 2004 in Talinn, Estonia. And they're looking for singers for join them. See their ad in the Info Exchange for details. (2003-3-5)
  • A new national study sponsored by Chorus America finds that choral singing is the top choice for participation in the performing arts by adults and children, with an estimated 28.5 million regularly performing in a chorus. The study also estimates the number of choruses in the US to be 250,000, including 12,000 professional and volunteer community choruses, more than 38,000 school choruses and 200,000 church choirs. For more details, visit www.chorusamerica.org. (2003-3-4)
  • Karen Mack and Michael Holland have won a 2003 Back Stage Bistro Award for their work as a duo on "Ice Gasholes…the next decade." For details, see BackStage.com. (2003-3-4)
  • Steve Friedman and Julie Siegmund have a new daughter, Rebecca Yael, born February 21, 2003. (2003-2-22)
  • The February 15 performance by the New York Philharmonic of the Berlioz Requiem is reviewed in The Times of February 17. (2003-2-17)
  • The New York City Labor Chorus has a new musical director while Geoffrey Fairweather is on sabbatical. Peter Schlosser will lead the chorus from January 27 until June 30, 2003. (2003-2-3)
  • The Carnegie Hall Choral Workshop January 19 performance of Bach's B Minor Mass is reviewed in The Times of January 23. (2003-1-23)
  • The Connecticut Master Chorale, under the direction of Tina Johns Heidrich has been invited back to Carnegie Hall for a performance on Monday, January 20th at 8:00 PM. The Chorale will sing Mozart's Coronation Mass under the direction of Terre Johnson. Mr. Johnson is the Conductor-in-Residence for Mid-America Productions in New York City. Mr. Johnson first discovered the Master Chorale via their website last year and invited them to perform under John Rutter's baton. That performance took place on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2002 and within a month, Mr. Johnson invited the Chorale back to perform under his own direction. The performance will accompanied by the New England Symphonic Ensemble. For information about the Connecticut Master Chorale, call (203) 775-2602 or visit www.cmchorale.org. (2003-1-11)
  • The Manhattan Choral Ensemble's new CD, December, 2002, features works by Palestrina, Poulenc, Duruflé, Vaughan Williams and Randall Thompson. For details, visit www.manhattanchoralensemble.com/music.asp. (2003-1-6)
  • The Ensemble for Early Music's December 22 performance is reviewed in The Times of December 26. (2002-12-27)
  • The Times of December 21 has a review of the Philharmonic's December 18 performance of Messiah and a review of the December 19 premiere of Russian composer Rodion Shchedrin's concert opera The Enchanted Wanderer. (2002-12-21)
  • The Tallis Scholars performance at the Met Musuem on December 12 is reviewed in The Times of December 14. (2002-12-14)
  • BAM's presentation of Tan Dun's Water Passion After Saint Matthew is reviewed in The Times of December 13. (2002-12-13)
  • The Vox Vocal Ensemble's December 3 concert "Vom Himmel Hoch" is reviewed in The Times of December 10. (2002-12-10)
  • Beliefnet's Virtual Choir Festival features Christmas CD picks from The Riverside Choir, The Monmouth Civic Chorus, The Choir of St. Ignatius Loyola and The Princeton Singers (and a few non-New York-area groups as well). (2002-12-9)
  • James R. Oestreich previews Tan Dun's Water Passion After St. Matthew in The Times of December 8. (2002-12-8)
  • Dennis Kadan is the new director of Harlem-based Ebony Voices for Education. (2002-12-5)
  • The Times of November 25 offers a review of the November 19 performance of Leonard Bernstein's Mass by the Collegiate Chorale and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. (2002-11-26)
  • The Harmony Sweepstakes, the nation's premiere showcase for unaccompanied vocal harmony, is seeking groups who would like to participate in its 2003 competition. The New York regionals will be held April 5, 2003 at Symphony Space. For details, see the ad in the Info Exchange. (2002-11-23)
  • The New York Virtuoso Singers performance of Lizst's Via Crucis on November 16 is reviewed in The Times of November 20. (2002-11-20)
  • BING! Cherries, a family-oriented cabaret-style musical featuring 32 of Bing Crosby's hit songs, is now in previews at Joe Franklin’s Memory Lane Restaurant Cabaret Theatre, 45th Street at Eighth Avenue. The show, produced by Greenerevolution Productions, features vocalists Owen-Pahl Greene, Sarah Downs and Mark Heimbigner, accompanied by musical director Christopher Cooley at the piano. Tickets are available through Smart Tix at 212-206-1515 or www.SmartTix.com or call 212-758-9777. [Editor's note 2002-12-9: This show is now closed.] (2002-11-14)
  • American composer Haskell Small has announced availability of his new Christmas carol, “O Wondrous Babe!” for chorus SATB (with several divisi) and two percussionists. See the Info Exchange or Mr. Small's website at www.jamesarts.com/h-small/ for further information. (2002-11-11)
  • Beliefnet.com, a religion website, is sponsoring a Christmas choir contest. The site's holiday programming will spotlight the best Advent / Christmas CDs from among those submitted by participating professional and amateur choirs. Entry deadline is November 21. For details, see their ad in the Info Exchange. (2002-11-4)
  • Chanticleer's performance at the Metropolitan Museum on October 25 is reviewed in 12 Voices Celebrate 25 Year of Harmony in The Times of October 31. (2002-10-31)
  • Robert Long is the new director of New Jersey's Ars Musica Chorale. (2002-10-27)
  • "Little Theater, Big Dreams, for Yiddish Director" in The Times of October 24 profiles Zalmen Mlotek and the Folksbiene Yiddish Theater. (2002-10-25)
  • The Connecticut Master Chorale, under the direction of Tina Johns Heidrich, has been invited to sing at the White House at Christmas time. The Chorale, selected through a recorded audition, will be singing in the famous East Room on Saturday, December 21 for invited guests of the White House. These include White House staff and dignitaries, friends and family of the Bushes, cabinet members, and international leaders. The program will include will include music the Chorale will perform at its annual "Holiday Prelude Concert" in November. For more information, visit www.cmchorale.org. (2002-10-25)
  • The New York Philharmonic's premiere of John Adams's On the Transmigration of Souls is reviewed in The New York Times of September 21. (2002-9-21)
  • David Ross is the new conductor of Kol Rinah, Westchester's Jewish community chorus. (2002-9-20)
  • A celebration of Nancy Poor's life and her passion for music will be held on Sunday, September 22 at 4 PM at the Church of the Transfiguration, 1 East 29th Street (between Fifth and Madison Avenues), New York City. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 1 PM at the Six Mile Run Reform Church on Route 27 in Franklin Park, NJ. Donations may be made to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center at 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, or to the musical group of your choice. (2002-9-17)
  • The Accidentals will participate (at 11:46 AM) in the September 11th observance at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. (2002-9-9)
  • At 10:29 AM on September 11, thousands of people surrounding ground zero will lift their voices together, sounding a simple “Ah” on any note in a "Moment of Sound." For more information about this grassroots demonstration of healing, unity and commitment to peace (and about how you can participate in it and a demonstration on Thursday evening, September 5) visit www.momentofsound.com. (2002-9-5)
  • Music from Sean Altman's CD alt.mania is featured in Connections, a new comedy written by Vernon Church and directed by Larry Shanet which begins performances at the Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue (near 10th Street) on Wednesday, September 18. Opening night is Tuesday, September 24. The play runs through Sunday, October 20. Admission is $25 and tickets are available by calling SmartTix at 212-206-1515 or by visiting http://www.smarttix.com. (2002-8-30)
  • Ben Gruder is the new director of NASHIR! The Rottenberg Chorale. (2002-8-15)
  • The Dessoff Choirs' performance of Acis and Galatea at the Mostly Mozart Festival is reviewed in the Times of August 13. (2002-8-15)
  • The September Concert is being planned as a a city-wide music fête in New York on September 11, in memory of the victims and in celebration of the spirit of American people. Choirs are invited to participate. See the ad in the Info Exchange for more details. (2002-8-10)
  • Lincoln Center and the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra have reached a tentative settlement, but the cancelled concerts will not be rescheduled. Details in the article in The Times. (2002-8-4)
  • James John is the new director of the Queens College Choral Society. (2002-7-31)
  • A strike by the musicians of the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra has forced the cancellation of 16 of the festival's concerts, including the Riverside Choral Society performances on August 13 and 14. Concerts not involving the orchestra will go on as planned. For details, see the article in The Times or visit www.lincolncenter.org. (2002-7-30)
  • Harmonytryx has released a new 11-song CD entitled "Fine Whine." Details at their web site. (2002-7-24)
  • Sean Altman is engaged to marry opera singer Inna Dukach. (2002-7-23)
  • Mark Hyzcko is the new director of the Highland Park Community Chorus. (2002-7-20)
  • Ray Gordon is the new director of Lavender Light. (2002-7-13)
  • Mark Trautman is the new director of the Raritan Valley Choral Society. (2002-7-6)
  • Cynthia Powell is the new director of The Stonewall Chorale. (2002-6-22)
  • The Dessoff Choirs seeks a new manager. See their ad in the Info Exchange for details. (2002-6-20)
  • Toby Twining’s Chrysalid Requiem will be released on CD by Cantaloupe Music and distributed by harmonia mundi usa on June 11. For details, visit www.tobytwiningmusic.com. (2002-6-7)
  • The New Amsterdam Singers' concert of May 30 is reviewed in The New York Times of June 5. (2002-6-5)
  • Cantori New York's concert of May 18 is reviewed in The New York Times of May 24. (2002-5-24)
  • The Seattle Symphony Chorale has initiated the The Rolling Requiem, a worldwide choral commemoration of all those lost on September 11, 2001, with performances of Mozart's Requiem in every time zone, beginning at 8:46 AM, Wednesday, September 11, 2002, the time of the first attack on the World Trade Center. For more information, read the letter from the Chorale and Rolling Requiem leadership; to sign up your choir to participate, visit www.rollingrequiem.org. (2002-5-23)
  • Listen to Steve Friedman's arrangement of Spiderman as performed by Equal Voices on the Equal Voices web site's MP3 page. (2002-5-12)
  • Mark Trautman has resigned as director of the Highland Park Community Chorus in New Jersey. The chorus has begun a search for a new conductor. See the group's ad in the Info Exchange for details. (2002-5-7)
  • Pomerium's April 29 concert is reviewed in The New York Times of May 2. (2002-5-2)
  • Results are in from the ICCA finals, held April 28. Third place: University of Oregon On The Rocks; second place: Cornell University Last Call; first place: University of Michigan Compulsive Lyres. (2002-4-29)
  • The New York Times of April 25 has an article about college a cappella (with a preview of the ICCA finals on April 28) and a review of the Collegiate Chorale's April 23 performance of Weber's Oberon. (2002-4-25)
  • The April 11 performance of Krenek's Lamentations of Jeremiah by The New York Virtuoso Singers is reviewed in The New York Times of April 16. (2002-4-16)
  • The Schubert Music Society, directed by Kevin Scott, has suspended operations until further notice. (2002-4-10)
  • Castles of Gold: Songs and Stories of Irish Immigration is the new two-CD set from Pan Morigan. Pan sings traditional and original songs and the stories are told by Frank McCourt and Roma Downey. For more information, visit www.castlesofgold.com. (2002-4-1)
  • On Saturday, April 6, Summit Chorale and the Classical New Jersey Society sponsor Maintaining a Healthy Voice, a seminar detailing the newest medical and scientific approaches to vocal wellness, presented by Garyth Nair. For details, see the ad in the Info Exchange. (2002-3-20)
  • The Western Wind Vocal Ensemble will participate in the official re-opening celebration at Symphony Space on Monday, April 8. See the article in The New York Times of March 20 for further details. (2002-3-20)
  • Results are in from the Harmony Sweepstakes New York Regional, held on March 16. Winner: 2 by 2; second: Key of She; third: Moondance. Audience favorite: Key of She; best arrangement: "Tales of War," 2 by 2. (2002-3-17)
  • The Connecticut Master Chorale has been invited to sing at Carnegie Hall under the direction of John Rutter, performing his own Magnificat on Easter Sunday, March 31, at 2 PM. The 55-voice Chorale will comprise the largest portion of the 150-voice Rutter chorus with the balance made up of select groups from around the country. The New England Symphonic Ensemble will accompany. For more information, visit www.cmchorale.org. (2002-3-14)
  • Sean Altman's new CD, alt.mania, is now available. For details, visit http://www.seanaltman.com/altmania.shtml. (2002-3-12)
  • The Westchester Chorale will hold its annual Spring Fair and Auction on Saturday, April 6, 2002 from 9 AM to 2 PM in the Community Room at North Yonkers Community Church, 95 Broadway, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. For further information, call 914-237-9546 or 914-693-0990. (2002-3-3)
  • The February 16 performance by Pomerium is reviewed in The New York Times of February 21. (2002-2-21)
  • The February 10 performance by The Clerks' Group is reviewed in The New York Times of February 14. (2002-2-16)
  • The February 8 performance of Bach's St. John Passion by the New York Collegium is reviewed in The New York Times of February 14. (2002-2-16)
  • The February 1 concert of Mendelssohn premieres by AmorArtis is reviewed in The New York Times of February 5. (2002-2-5)
  • Michael P. Hammond, former music director of the Dessoff Choirs and newly installed as the chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, has died at age 69. Read the New York Times obituary. (2002-1-30)
  • Cerddorion has rejiggered its spring concert schedule. Its February and May dates have been replaced with dates in April. See the Concert Calendar for details. (2002-1-16)
  • The Groovebarbers gig on December 13 at The Cutting Room has been cancelled. (2001-12-5)
  • Cerddorion, one of New York's premier vocal ensembles, needs skilled tenors and basses for its concerts in April. Repertoire includes a Monteverdi mass and song cycles by New York and Boston composers. See their ad in Choir Auditions. (2001-11-29)
  • The Harmony Sweepstakes, the nation's premiere showcase for unaccompanied vocal harmony, is seeking groups who would like to participate in its 2002 schedule of concerts. The New York regionals will be held March 16, 2002. Interested groups should contact producer Townsend Belisle at townsend@haystackneedle.com. (2001-11-28)
  • The Lance Hayward Singers: One More Time is the title of a new CD that features the 20-voice ensemble singing lush arrangements of jazz, spirituals, music from Broadway and a bit of classical. For information, e-mail towncrier@att.net or call 1-800-560-1716. (2001-11-28)
  • The Brooklyn Youth Chorus has released a new CD entitled Voices of Harmony. Visit the CD page on their website for details. (2001-11-17)
  • The December 7 concert of the Village Singers of Westchester has been rescheduled for February 1, 2002. (2001-11-17)
  • After eight years, Gregg Payne is stepping down as director of Lavender Light: The Black and People of All Colors Lesbian & Gay Gospel Choir. The group is seeking a new artistic director. See their ad in the Info Exchange for details. (2001-11-7)
  • The 2001 CARAs CD is now available. The album is a compilation of the winners of the 2001 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards, and includes selections ranging from Artisan (Best Folk/World Album) to the Douglas Frank Chorale (Best Classical Album) to the Persuasions (Artist of the Year). Visit www.casa.org/music/albums/carascd_info.html for more information. (2001-10-29)
  • A September 23rd Ecumenical Memorial Concert hosted by the Connecticut Master Chorale (Tina Johns Heidrich, director) featured over 100 singers from the metropolitan area and raised more than $3,300 for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The event was held at and co-sponsored by St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, CT. (2001-9-26)
  • The Juris Artis Chorale formerly the Lawyers' Choral Society) begins rehearsals on October 3. See their ad on the Choir Auditions page for more information. (2001-9-20)
  • Dr. Susan Medley has been named Music Director of the Central City Chorus. (2001-9-7)
  • The Dessoff Choirs' performance at Mostly Mozart (broadcast on "Live from Lincoln Center" on August 22) is reviewed in The New York Times of Saturday, August 25. (2001-8-28)
  • Harold Rosenbaum is the new director of the Queens College Choral Society. (2001-8-28)
  • The Stonewall Chorale is looking for a new music director. See the ad in the Info Exchange for details. (2001-8-14)
  • The Tallis Scholars performance at Mostly Mozart is reviewed in The New York Times of Wednesday, August 8. (2001-8-8)
  • The Highland Park Community Chorus (NJ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Trautman as its new conductor. (2001-7-27)
  • The Lawyers' Choral Society starts up in September and they're looking for singing lawyers. See their ad on the Choir Auditions page. (2001-7-19)
  • The Shrewsbury Chorale has announced the appointment of Steven A. Russell as Music Director / Conductor for the 2001-02 season. (2001-7-18)
  • Selections from the concert by Angelus at St. Michael's Church on February 25 can now be heard at www.mp3.com/angelus. (2001-7-16)
  • The Brooklyn Youth Chorus won Second Place honors and a Gold Diploma in the Children’s Chorus category of the 2nd Annual Johannes Brahms International Choral Festival and Competition, held July 5-8 in Wernigerode, Germany. (2001-7-11)
  • The Connecticut Master Chorale won first place in the annual McDonald's Tri-State Gospelfest Competition and will appear on ABC (channel 7 in New York) Saturday, July 14 at 7:00 PM. The show will also feature renowned gospel singers Melba Moore, Cissy Houston and Tremaine Hawkins. (2001-7-9)
  • Steven Harris is the new manager of the Dessoff Choirs. (2001-7-2)
  • John Denaro, the artistic director of The Park Slope Singers, a member of The Stonewall Chorale and a longtime music director and organist for churches in Brooklyn, died on May 11, 2001 at the age of 57. A memorial concert is planned for the fall; details can be found in the Info Exchange. (2001-6-12)
  • The New Amsterdam Singers concert of Thursday, May 31 is reviewed in The New York Times of Tuesday, June 5. (2001-6-5)
  • The cabaret trio Eastern Standard Time just recorded a segment for The Jim Lowe & Company Show, which also features Phillip Officer. This show will be aired beginning Wednesday, May 30th and throughout the month of June. For schedule and station listings, visit www.okom.com. Click on Jim Lowe's picture, then on "List of Radio Stations." (2001-5-29)
  • Results are in from the 2001 National Finals of the Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival held May 5 in San Rafael, CA. Champions: Sixth Wave (Los Angeles); 2nd place: Voice Trek (Chicago); 3rd Place: Freestyle (San Francisco). Audience Favorites: Voice Trek. Best Original Song: "Slinky Variations", Vox Bop (New York). Best Original Arrangement: "Vincent", Sixth Wave. (2001-5-9)
  • New York composer Gerald Cohen's new setting of the weekday maariv (evening) service for cantor, choir, clarinet and piano will be given its world premiere at the Cantors Assembly Convention in Ellenville, NY on Wednesday, May 9. Performers will be Cantor Gerald Cohen, baritone; Joel Caplan, clarinet; Joyce Rosenzweig, piano; and the Cantors Assembly Convention Chorus, David Tilman, conductor. (2001-5-7)
  • The New York Choral Society's schedule of Summer Sings is now available on the VAN Concert Calendar. Ten-sing subscriptions are priced at $75; five-sing subscriptions are $45. (2001-5-4)
  • Harmonytryx will help open the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Sounds of the City outdoor summer music series on Thursday night, May 31. Visit www.njpac.org (click on "Sounds of the City") for more info. (2001-5-3)
  • The Ensemble Gilles Binchois concert of Tuesday, April 24 is reviewed in The New York Times of Thursday, April 26. (2001-4-26)
  • Judith Clurman directs The Complete Choral Musician, an intensive two-day workshop at Juilliard June 28-29. Designed for all choral musicians, the workshop is composed of theoretical, practical and experimental sessions rarely covered in other settings. For more information, see the ad in the Info Exchange. (2001-4-19)
  • The Pomerium concert of Saturday, April 14 is reviewed in The New York Times of Tuesday, April 17. (2001-4-17)
  • Richard Slade and Sara Ruderman announce the formation of Jubal's Lyre, a chamber choir based on the Upper West Side that begins rehearsals this spring. For details, see the ad on the Choir Auditions page. (2001-4-11)
  • Mark Shapiro again leads the Paris Singing Adventure from July 22 to July 29. For details about this enticing combination of travel and choral singing, see the ad in the Info Exchange or visit the PSA web site. (2001-4-9)
  • The Douglas Frank Chorale's recording of The A Cappella Singer has won a CARA for best classical album. Here's a list of the 2001 winners, sourced from the rec.music.a-cappella newsgroup. (2001-4-5)
  • Central City Chorus has rescheduled its April 22 concert for May 20. (2001-3-21)
  • John Link's got a new article out entitled A Feldenkrais Lesson for the Tongue. (2001-3-13)
  • The St. Ignatius performance of Franck's Rédemption is reviewed in The New York Times of Wednesday, February 28. (2001-2-28)
  • Choral coverage from The New York Times of Tuesday, February 27: a review of the Philharmonic's Henze/Beethoven concert; and reviews of the Choir of Corpus Christi Church and the Vox Vocal Ensemble's Parsons concert. (2001-2-27)
  • Read Dan Rosenbaum's review of the New York Harmony Sweepstakes. (2001-2-23)
  • Results are in from the New York Regionals of the Harmony Sweepstakes. The winner: Vox Bop; runner-up: PhilHarmonix; honorable mention: Flatiron 5. Best arrangement: The Slinky Variations by David Deschamps. (2001-2-18)
  • The Douglas Frank Chorale's recording of the A Cappella Singer has received two CARA (Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards) nominations: for best classical album and best classical song ("Matona, mia cara"). (2001-2-12)
  • CASA has announced the winners of the first-ever A Cappella Community Awards. Among the winners: Rockapella, Acoustix, king'singers, Rescue, m-pact and The Bobs. For details, see the article on the CASA web site. (2001-2-12)
  • The new vocal ensemble Equal Voices has announced three preview concerts (on March 6, March 14 and March 22) and an official concert debut on April 18. See the Concert Calendar for details. (2001-2-9)
  • The lineup has been set for the New York Regionals of the Harmony Sweepstakes on February 17. Participating groups (with annotations by John Neal of Primarily A Cappella): All About Buford (mixed quartet, funk); Dobsonfly (mixed sextet, pop, rock, R&B); The Flatiron5 (male quintet, doo wop, barbershop, alternative); Mystery Date (male quartet, defies categorization!); NexTime (mixed quartet, barbershop); PhilHarmonix (mixed quartet, barbershop); Voxy (female septet, contemporary); and Vox Bop (mixed quartet, jazz, contemporary). (2001-2-7)
  • Vocal Area Network was the lead story in the January 23 edition of Morton Music Musings, the newsletter of Morton Music, a choral repertoire website. (2001-1-23)
  • The University Glee Club of New York is now conducted by Francisco J. Núñez, who has succeeded the late John Low Baldwin. (2001-1-23)
  • Read The New York Times review of The New York Virtuoso Singers concert of January 6. (2001-1-10)
  • Vocal Area Network's Dan Rosenbaum reviews The Bobs, Da Vinci's Notebook and Vince Gilbert, who played The Bottom Line on January 6. (2001-1-8)
  • According to The New York Times's E-Commerce Report in its January 8 edition, Culturefinder.com, which helps consumers find tickets and information about performing arts organizations and events, will transform itself from a money-losing commercial concern to a nonprofit organization. This transformation comes after the firm laid off its entire staff of 40 just before Christmas. (2001-1-8)
  • Slots are still available for groups to compete in the New York Regional Harmony Sweepstakes competition on February 17, 2001. Contact producer Townsend Belisle at townsend@haystackneedle.com or 917-975-8686. (2001-1-8)
  • The New York City Labor Chorus has just released a new album called Workers Rise: Labor in the Spotlight. CD copies are $15 each; cassettes are $10. Call 212-595-6600 to order. (2000-12-29)
  • Submissions for the New York Regional Harmony Sweepstakes competition on February 17, 2001 are due by January 15. Interested groups should contact producer Townsend Belisle at townsend@haystackneedle.com or 917-975-8686. (2000-12-14)
  • Equal Voices is the name of the new vocal ensemble founded by former Western Wind singers Phyllis Clark, Kathy Theil, Michael Steinberger and Neil Farrell. Countertenor Robert Isaacs and bass/baritone Jon Szabo fill out the lineup. (2000-12-8)
  • Angelus is the newest musical ensemble at St. Michael's Church. This six-voice male ensemble (Eric Brenner, Robert Isaacs, Lawrence Rush, Daniel Neer, Steve Friedman and Nicholas White) sings a wide variety of music but specializes in plainsong chant, Anglican chant, Renaissance and contemporary compositions. Angelus is the resident choir for The Evening Service, held in the church on Sundays at 7:30 PM. (2000-12-1)
  • Harry Huff is now the artistic director of the St. George's Choral Society. (2000-11-27)
  • The Connecticut Master Chorale's "Messiah Sing" on December 2 has been cancelled. (2000-11-20)
  • The Accidentals have released a new CD entitled "Popular". (2000-11-13)
  • The Riverdale Choral Society is going to Cuba from May 17-21, 2001, to participate in an international choral festival, with the blessings of both the US Department of State and the Cuban Ministry of Culture. And they need singers--see their ad in the Info Exchange. (2000-11-13)
  • The Arte Corale concert on Sunday, November 26 at Corpus Christi Church has been cancelled. (2000-11-1)
  • The Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA) has announced a new vehicle for recognition within the a cappella community: the A Cappella Community Awards. Anyone can vote: band member, fan, label head, grandmother. Like the People's Choice Awards, these will measure the public's pulse, and give everyone (not just the CASA staff or members) a chance to be voice an opinion. The awards include favorite songwriter, arranger, barbershop group, female vocalist, pop/rock group and so on. Ballots will be accepted until December 15. Winners will be announced January 1, 2001. Here's your ballot in printable HTML format or as a PDF. For further details, visit http://www.casa.org/awards/aca/. (2000-10-30)
  • More Western Wind news: The date of the group's holiday concert has been changed to Monday, December 18. Details are in the VAN Concert Calendar. The Happy Journey, their 1984 recording of early American vocal music, has been reissued as a Western Wind Records CD. And, their Winter Wonderland Workshop in Brattleboro, VT has been scheduled for February 16-19, 2001. (2000-10-27)
  • Charis has released its first CD, From Sorrow Free, featuring music of American composers from the Revolutionary War era until today. For details, visit http://www.musicman.net/charis/firstcd.html or buy it from Amazon.com. (2000-10-25)
  • Soprano Gayla Morgan rounds out the Western Wind's new lineup. The group will be singing at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI on Sunday, November 5. Details about their holiday concert in New York on Sunday, December 17 will be forthcoming. The Western Wind also welcomes comments and suggestions about what people would like to see from their concerts, workshops and other activities. Contact them at info@westernwind.org. (2000-10-13)
  • Kristina Boerger, soprano, Todd Frizzell, tenor, and Richard Slade, tenor, are the newest members of the Western Wind Vocal Ensemble. (2000-10-4)
  • Phyllis Clark, Kathy Theil, Michael Steinberger and Neil Farrell have resigned from the Western Wind Vocal Ensemble. The Board of Directors has resigned as well. Air and share your thoughts on these developments at Quick Topic. (2000-10-2)
  • Dobsonfly is a new vocal ensemble featuring Warren Bloom (bass/percussion, ex-Doo*Wa*Zoo, The Hyannis Sound and Spur of the Moment); Lorelle Holway-Smith (soprano, also ex-Doo*Wa*Zoo); Colette Thompson (mezzo, ex-Stay Tuned); Debbie Tassone (alto, ex-Riff Raff); Jason Menkes (tenor/percussion, ex-Midnight Ramblers of U Rochester); and Evan Smith (bass). (2000-9-22)
  • The New York Regional of the 2001 Harmony Sweepstakes is set for Saturday, February 17, 2001 at Symphony Space. Groups interested in competing should contact new producer Townsend Belisle at townsend@zone.net or (917) 975-8686. For further details, read the press release. (2000-9-21)
  • The Douglas Frank Chorale's new recording of the classic "A Cappella Singer" collection is now available on the group's web site and at Tower Records (Lincoln Center) and other local outlets. For a sample, check out this Digital Audio Postcard. (2000-8-14)
  • Read a review from the Danbury NewsTimes of the final concert of the recently-concluded Dennis Keene Choral Festival, held in Kent, CT from July 28 to August 6. (2000-8-10)
  • See page 51 ("Around Town") of the August 10-17 issue of Time Out New York for an article about New York amateur choral groups by Diana Michèle Yap. Vocal Area Network was a source for the article and gets a nice plug in the first paragraph. (2000-8-10)
  • The West Village Chorale is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Conley as conductor, beginning with the 2000-2001 season. Conley, also music director of the Church of the Ascension on the Upper West Side and former assistant to Kent Tritle at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, will be only the third conductor in the Chorale’s 29-year history. He succeeds Andrew Megill, who has become musical director of the Masterwork Chorus in Morristown, NJ. (2000-7-28)
  • Caroll Goldberg now directs The Rottenberg Chorale, taking over from Zalmen Mlotek. (2000-7-27)
  • Jane Prendergast has left the Clifton Choral Society and now directs the new Ramsey Chamber Choir in Ramsey, NJ. (2000-7-25)
  • The John Link Vocal Quintet announces the availability of its CD "Live at St. Peter's" on earBuzz.com, a web source for music by independent artists where you can read reviews, download samples and buy CDs. (2000-7-20)
  • David Friddle is out and Kevin Scott has stepped in as director of the Central City Chorus(2000-7-14)
  • The Juilliard School announces the formation of The Juilliard Choral Union, a symphonic choir performing with the Juilliard Orchestra at Alice Tully Hall and Avery Fisher Hall, open to volunteer singers from the community and to all Juilliard students. Judith Clurman is the Music Director. See the new listing in the Choir Directory. (2000-7-6)
  • Hammond Music Service now offers rehearsal CDs (as well as rehearsal tapes) for choirs. (2000-7-6)
  • Cantori New York won its second ASCAP/Chorus America Adventurous Programming Award at the June 2000 Chorus America conference in Baltimore. Also, its recording of Frank Martin's Le Vin Herbe was named Editor's Choice in the July Opera News. (2000-7-2)
  • I Cantori di New York is now Cantori New York. (2000-6-29)
  • Five O'Clock Shadow is one of three vocal group finalists in VH1's "Who is Your Favorite Undiscovered Artist" contest. They'll appear live on VH1 on August 19. You can still visit the contest site to vote for them. (2000-6-20)
  • Cerddorion has selected Kristina G. Boerger as its new music director. Boerger comes to New York from Champaign-Urbana, where she has just completed her D.M.A. in Choral Conducting and Literature at the University of Illinois. (2000-6-8)
  • VH1's "Who is Your Favorite Undiscovered Artist" contest includes Five O'Clock Shadow among the vocal group finalists and Sean Altman among the solo finalists. Visit the contest site to vote for your favorites. Winners appear in a live VH1 broadcast on August 19. (2000-6-7)
  • Results are in from the National Championship of College A Cappella, held April 30 in New York. First place: the Men's Octet from UC Berkeley. Second place: University of Illinois Other Guys. Third place: Harvard-Radcliffe Callbacks. By the way, Mainely A Cappella stocks CDs of most of the finalists. (2000-5-2)
  • Karen Mack's April shows at Don’t Tell Mama have been postponed. She's recovering from an unplanned encounter with a taxi that left her with a broken leg. (2000-4-13)
  • Spring audition opportunity: Cerddorion's looking for altos and sopranos for its spring concert, directed by Gareth Morrell. See their ad in Choir Auditions. (2000-3-31)
  • After two seasons, Andrew Megill is leaving the West Village Chorale. See their ad for a new music director in the Info Exchange. (2000-3-25)
  • I Cantori di New York has just released its recording of Frank Martin's three-act opera-oratorio Le Vin Herbé on the Newport Classic label. The performance of this piece, a French-language retelling of the Tristan and Isolde legend, features tenor Steven Tharp as Tristan and soprano Laura Danehower Whyte as Isolde. Members of I Cantori are featured in smaller solo roles. Visit I Cantori's web site for details, and look for the recording in stores in about two weeks. (2000-3-6)
  • Andrew Megill has succeeded David Briskin as director of the Masterwork Chorus. (2000-3-6)
  • Results are in from the New York regionals of the Harmony Sweepstakes, held February 26. Winner: the exboyfriends. Runner-up: The Fifth Element. (2000-2-27)
  • The John Link Vocal Quintet has released Live at Saint Peter’s. The new CD features three compositions by John Link, movie themes by Ennio and Andrea Morricone; jazz tunes by Chick Corea, Bill Evans, and Earl Zindars; classical compositions by Claude Debussy, Modeste Mussorgsky, and Erik Satie; and a hymn by Brahe and Taylor. All of the arrangments are by John Link, and all but one of the compositions are sung without words. Visit www.johnlinkmusic.com for details. (2000-2-21)
  • Update on the new Hudson Shad release: it's called Music Box, and it features hits from the 20s and 30s by The Comedian Harmonists and The Mills Brothers. The disk also includes works by Schubert, Kurt Weill and the Beatles. Visit www.hudsonshad.net for details. (2000-2-21)
  • Bass Jeff Spurgeon has left Vox Bop. (2000-2-20)
  • Steve Friedman and Julie Siegmund are the happy parents of Matthew Ezra, born at 9:27 PM on Tuesday, February 8. Matthew weighed in at seven pounds, six ounces and measured 20.75 inches. And he's now got his own web page. Come see! (2000-2-9)
  • Cerddorion is seeking a new Artistic Director to replace Susanne Peck, who resigned in November. Read the job posting in the Info Exchange. (2000-2-7)
  • Joyful Noise, Tim Slover's new play with music that presents the passion, the politics and the true story that nearly prevented the first London production of Handel's Messiah, will begin performances February 11 and open February 17 for a limited six-week engagement at the Lamb's Theatre, 130 West 44th Street. For details, visit the Joyful Noise website. (2000-2-2)
  • John Maclay is the new director of the Grace Church Choral Society. He takes over from Bruce McInnes, who retired in October, 1999 to take a post as Acting Dean of the Cleveland Institute of Music. (2000-1-31)
  • In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach's death in 1750, St. Michael's Music & Arts presents "BACH 2000", a series of nine concerts featuring Bach's organ, keyboard and choral works. Nicholas White, the organist and choirmaster at St. Michael's, is the Artistic Director of the series. Concerts will be offered at St. Michael's Church, 225 West 99th Street, throughout 2000.  Call 212-222-2700 for further information. (2000-1-10)
  • 1999 Harmony Sweepstakes champions Seven will henceforth be known as Naturally Seven. Visit www.naturallyseven.com after January 10 for details. (2000-1-5)
  • Sad news from Boston: the sudden death of Dave Bieri. Dave sang bass with the vocal ensemble Euphoria and was an imaginative composer and arranger with a distinctively witty style. Condolences to the Bieri family, Euphoria and the entire Boston vocal ensemble community. Read more about Dave Bieri, including details of the memorial service planned for January 31 in New York. (2000-1-5)
  • Dr. Thomas Bookhout is the new director of the Taghkanic Chorale, replacing Johannes Somary. (1999-12-21)
  • The New York regionals of the Harmony Sweepstakes will be held on February 26, 2000. The finals of the National Championship of Collegiate A Cappella are scheduled for April 30, 2000 at Lincoln Center. (1999-12-13)
  • Paula Biran stepped in at the last minute to conduct Cerddorion's concerts on November 20 and 21. (1999-11-22)
  • Finnish soprano Johanna Grussner has recently joined Vox Bop. Johanna is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music and got her Masters in Vocal Jazz Performance at Manhattan School of Music. She has toured throughout Europe with The Johanna Grussner Big Band and performed to acclaim around New York City. (1999-11-18)
  • The Musica Sacra Chorus and Orchestra’s 1981 recording of highlights from Handel’s Messiah is being re-released this month from RCA Red Seal records. It is conducted by Richard Westenburg and features Judith Blegen, Katherine Ciesinski, John Aler and John Cheek. (Thanks to Reva Cooper for this item.) (1999-10-21)
  • Due to scheduling difficulties at Alice Tully Hall, Dessoff has adjusted its 1999-2000 concert schedule.   Israel in Egypt moves to February; the 75th Anniversary Program moves to December. (1999-9-24)
  • The New Yiddish Chorale and the Workmen's Circle Chorus have released a new CD entitled In Love and in Struggle: The Musical Legacy of the Jewish Labor Bund.  Zalmen Mlotek, Adrienne Cooper and Dan Rous are featured. (1999-9-8)
  • The West Village Chorale is pleased to announce that Andrew Megill, its guest conductor in the 1998-99 season, has agreed to return as music director and conductor—only its second in 28 years. Gwen Gould, who had taken a sabbatical to concentrate on her leadership of the Columbia Festival Orchestra upstate, assumes the role of founding conductor. (1999-8-30)
  • The Columbia Collegium Musicum has a new CD out entitled The Collegium Musicum of Columbia University in Performance 1997-1998. The CD features the newly-transcribed First Vespers for the Feast of Saint Charlemagne (1577), sacred music of early modern England, 16th-century  chansons and Bach's Cantata 150, Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich. Purchase it for $13 at Labyrinth Books on 112th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam and at Papyrus Books, Broadway and 115th Street. And, the Collegium has a new director. Ramin Amir Arjomand has succeeded Eric Rice, who's off to Aachen to research his dissertation. (1999-8-6)
  • After years of rehearsing on Wednesday night, the Dessoff Choirs moves its rehearsals to Monday nights starting in September.  The venue changes, too, from East 50th Street to Lexington and 88th Street. (1999-7-1)
  • New York's own Seven won the National Finals of the Harmony Sweepstakes on May 8Minimum Wage placed third and was also selected Audience Favorite. Congratulations! (1999-6-10)
  • Vocal Area Network has been selected as a Links2Go Key Resource in the Vocal Music topic. See http://www.links2go.com/topic/Vocal_Music. (1999-5-6)
  • Pick Up Six won the Boston Regionals of the Harmony Sweepstakes, held on March 13. (1999-3-18)
  • Results are in from the New York Regionals of the Harmony Sweepstakes, held on March 13.  First place: Seven. Second place: Christ Sent. Audience favorite: The ExBoyfriends. Best Arrangement: Vox Bop's Wee Three Kings, arranged by David Deschamps. Congratulations to all who particpated. (1999-3-14)
  • Minimum Wage won the Mid-Atlantic Regionals of the Harmony Sweepstakes, held on February 27, continuing a tradition of out-of-town winners.  Congratulations to the burger boys! They'll be off to San Rafael, CA for the National Finals on May 8. (1999-3-7)
  • Robert Shaw, dean of American choral conductors, has died of a stroke at age 82. (1999-1-26)
  • MidAmerica Productions announces the formation of its Metropolitan Chorale, conducted by Dr. Craig Arnold. This new group will feature 30 voices in concert at Carnegie Hall and other tri-state venues. See the audition notice for more details. (1999-1-21)
  • Elliot Z. Levine's Cantata of the Animals (with libretto by Jabez van Cleef) has been translated into Japanese by Mariko Tsukahara and will be performed under the direction of Hiroko Juni at Tokyo Rutter Church in Shinjuku,Tokyo by Studio Arsis Chamber Chorus and members of Tokyo Voices on March 22 at 2 PM. Contact Hiroko Juni for further information. (1999-1-19)
  • Steve Friedman's wife, Julie Siegmund (who sings in The Dessoff Choirs and Women Singing), has started a new career as a jewelry designer, specializing in necklaces and earrings of unusual beads and fine silver.  Check out her creations on the Carnelian Knoll web site. (1999-1-19)
  • tasteofeternity.jpg (1913 bytes)The Western Wind has released A Taste of Eternity: A Musical Shabbat, a CD featuring music from the Friday evening synagogue service and tuneful and spirited Shabbat table songs (z'mirot). The disc is narrated by Leonard Nimoy. (1999-1-18)
  • Judith Arron, executive and artistic director of Carnegie Hall since 1986, died at age 56 on Friday, December 18. (1998-12-21)
  • The December 3 issue of The New York Times has a substantial article about Kent Tritle, music director of The Dessoff Choirs and the director of music at St. Ignatius Loyola. Look in the Metro Section on page B2. (1998-12-3)
  • An MCC ChristmasThe Monmouth Civic Chorus,
    directed by Mark Shapiro,
    has recorded its first CD entitled An MCC Christmas
    Details on their web site. (1998-11-16)
  • voxbopcvh60.jpg (1504 bytes)Vox Bop is out with a new CD on
    Margo Records entitled The Vox Bop Christmas Variety Hour. (1998-11-16)
  • Gustav Leonhardt has founded and is music director of the new New York Collegium, a period orchestra and choir. Their initial season starts in January, 1999. (1998-10-6)
  • Vocal Area Network got a mention in the current issue of CASA's Contemporary A Cappella News as a new member of the amazon.com Associates Program. (1998-9-28)
  • Check the Information Exchange for a hot opportunity to take your small ensemble on a paid four-week tour of Germany at the end of October. (1998-9-25)
  • Five O'Clock Shadow news: a new CD, So There; new members Paul Pampinella (formerly of Vox One) and David Stackhouse (late of DOO WA ZOO). (1998-9-25)
  • Soprano Jacqueline Horner is Anonymous 4's newest member; she replaces Ruth Cunningham. (1998-9-23)
  • The Salomone Trio (Marie Costanza, Carol Flamm, Elissa Weiss) has released a new CD on Titanic Records, Sacred and Profane, featuring Sephardic songs, French chansons, Hebrew motets, English madrigals and a unique arrangement of a 13th-century sacred cantiga about the trials of a pregnant nun. The trio will be featured on the nationally-syndicated Millenium of Music radio show; check listings in your area for dates and times. (1998-9-18)
  • Lionheart's newest CD on Nimbus Records, Paris 1200, an account of works dating from turn-of-the-13th century Paris, will be released on September 21. Buy it through the VAN Store. (1998-9-17)
  • Charles W. Pilling, music director of the Central City Chorus and organist of the Central Presbyterian Church, died August 12 at age 40. (1998-8-31)
  • Matthew Lazar and the Zamir Choral Foundation announce the re-formation of the Zamir Chorale.  See the Fall '98 Choir Auditions page for details. (1998-8-28)
  • Boston-based quartet Euphoria is looking for a high soprano to replace Martha Sullivan, who's moved to New York.  Details in the Information Exchange. (1998-8-24)
  • Angela Robinson, Callie Hershey and Christine Krupka are the newest members of Harmonytryx. Visit the group's web site for details. (1998-7-24)
  • Jersey Transit, the Princeton-area a cappella singing group, announces the release of its first CD, Bumpy Road to Love, a compilation of 16 original vocal arrangements from an eclectic repertoire. The recording marks the 10th anniversary of the group’s founding. Order your copy by calling 800-598-4465. (1998-4-15)
  • The Russian Chamber Chorus of New York, directed by Nikolai Kachanov, recently released its second CD through the KOCH International Classics label entitled Tchaikovsky:Vespers and Three Sacred Songs. The CD is the first recording of Tchaikovsky's little-known Vespers outside the former Soviet Union. The CD should be available in Tower Records and most CD stores soon, but if you can't wait, call the Russian Chamber Chorus directly at 212-928-1402. (1998-3-23)
  • Congratulations to City Lights, winner of the Harmony Sweepstakes New York Regional, held February 21 at Symphony Space. City Lights will represent New York at the National Finals in San Rafael, CA on May 9. Congrats also to VAN's Steve Friedman, whose arrangement of "Spiderman", performed by Stay Tuned, won for Best Arrangement. (1998-3-1)
  • Nonesuch Records has released Mandy Patinkin's new CD of Yiddish songs entitled Mamaloshen. VAN stalwarts Mark Johnson, Robb Moss, Dan Rosenbaum and Steve Friedman sang in the chorus (an extended version of Zalmen Mlotek's Yiddish Chorale) for this recording.  (1998-2-1)
  • Elixir, formerly known as DOO WA ZOO, is DOO WA ZOO once again. The group has resumed using its birth name after discovering that four other bands had earlier claims on the Elixir moniker. For further details, visit DOO WA ZOO's web site. (1998-1-15)
  • I Cantori has released a CD on PGM Records entitled Echoes and Shadows: Romantic Choral Music of 20th Century American Composers. The CD includes The Shadows Around the House by Tom Cipullo, The Best-Beloved by Chris DeBlasio and a setting of the Song of Solomon by James D. Wagoner. Pick up a copy at your favorite CD emporium or visit I Cantori on the web. (1997-12-15)
  • The Western Wind has announced the release of its newest CD, My Funny Valentine, a collection of a cappella arrangements of American jazz and pop standards by George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Brian Wilson, John Denver, and Bonnie Raitt. Arrangers include VAN's own Steve Friedman and Mark Johnson. Visit The Western Wind on the web to get your copy. (1997-11-15)
  • VAN regretfully reports the demise of Cantabile, one of New York's oldest chamber choirs. The group, founded by A.W. Binder in 1918, was known for many years as the 92nd Street Y Chorale. In 1991, the group moved to the west side and became the Mannes Chamber Singers. Amy Kaiser, now conductor of the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus, directed the ensemble for more than 15 years, building the group into one of New York's finest small choruses. The group was especially renowned for its focus on lesser-known repertoire and for its frequent, highly-regarded performances with Gerard Schwarz and the New York Chamber Symphony. When Amy moved to Saint Louis in 1995, the group was reconstituted as Cantabile under the direction of Timothy Leigh Evans. Its presence on the New York vocal ensemble scene will be missed. (1997-10-31)