The SunBreak » choral music

A Passion concert for Lent

Philippa Kiraly — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 18:43:44 +0000

Three big choral pieces anchored Seattle Pro Musica’s Lenten program, Passio, Saturday night at St. James Cathedral, one each from the early years of the 20th century. A.M.D.G.: Ad majorem Dei Gloriam, Benjamin Britten’s 1939 setting of seven religious poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins, six of which were sung Saturday, are evidence of the young composer’s skill … Continue reading →

The Esoterics Explore the Choral High Seas

Dana Wen — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 02:39:47 +0000

Vast and mysterious, calming and perilous, the ocean has been a source of inspiration for cultures around the world and a rich topic for generations of poets and musicians. This weekend, local choral ensemble The Esoterics celebrates the many moods of the sea with Oceana, a selection of contemporary vocal works spanning several continents. The … Continue reading →

An Hour of Peaceful Holiday Song With Choral Arts

Dana Wen — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 23:00:22 +0000

For those on the go during the holidays, Choral Arts' annual Christmas concert provides an tiny oasis of calm during December's hustle and bustle. The choir's hour-long program of uninterrupted holiday music had two performances over the weekend of December 14-15.

Seattle Pro Musica Honors Britten’s Legacy With “A Ceremony of Carols”

Dana Wen — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 23:00:54 +0000

Seattle Pro Musica celebrates the 100th anniversary of Benjamin Britten's birth with a concert of Christmas-themed choral works, including yuletide favorite A Ceremony of Carols. Two more performances of the program are scheduled for December 14.

What We’re Hearing This Holiday Season: Classical Music Picks For Christmas

Dana Wen — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 23:00:40 +0000

The holiday concert season is already in full swing, but there's still a full calendar of festive musical events set to spread Christmas cheer throughout the Seattle area. We've compiled a small sampling of yuletide offerings for everyone, from grandma to your hipster cousin.

A Mirthful John Cage Centennial Celebration with The Esoterics

Dana Wen — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 11:44:18 +0000

John Cage fans, rejoice! This month marks the hundredth anniversary of the composer's birth, kicking off Cage centennial events everywhere. Last weekend, Seattle-based vocal ensemble The Esoterics hosted an ambitious Cage tribute of their own.