- Chorus Angelicus
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Chorus Angelicus (translates from Latin to "The Angelic Choir") is composed of approximately 60 children ages 5 to 18 who travel to Torrington, Connecticut, from 25 towns and cities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. It was founded by Grammy-winner Paul Halley in 1991.
Students attend one or two weekly rehearsals, depending on their level of ability, and receive training in the art of singing, reading music, choral technique, and music theory. The parent organization, Joyful Noise, Inc., administers these choirs as well as a 40-member adult professional-semi-professional group, Gaudeamus.
Most children come to Chorus Angelicus with an ordinary background in music. Any child who loves to sing may enter one of the two Training Choirs, for which there is no audition. More advanced young singers audition for a place in the junior or senior choirs of Chorus Angelicus. What makes all of them extraordinary in the end is their hard work, commitment and passion for music. They become highly accomplished musicians, learning to sing rhythmically, harmoniously, and purely, then blending their voices with others to create the unique sound that is Chorus Angelicus. Along the way, they learn self-respect, discipline, confidence, and a willingness to strive for results of the highest caliber in all aspects of their lives.
Contents
The choirs
Chorus Angelicus consists of four choirs.
The Training Choirs, directed by Karen Sovak, were formed in 1998 to address the growing need for quality ear and vocal training among younger singers. No audition is required. They boast about 30 members, and perform concerts throughout the year for parents and friends. The Training Choirs consist of two groups: The Training Choir and the Advanced Training Choir. Many members of the Training Choirs go on to audition for Chorus Angelicus.
The Junior Choir of Chorus Angelicus provides rigorous training for children above the Training Choirs' level. They move to the Senior Choir as their skills progress. The Junior Choir is directed by Greg Wilfrid, a graduate of The Hartt School.
The Senior Choir of Chorus Angelicus, directed by Gabriel Lofvall, is the main performing chorus. These youngsters rehearse three or more hours each week, and perform frequently. They are known for the pure quality of their sound, described by the New York Times "almost as a resonating glass of water." A few choristers who return after graduation as Choral Scholars serve as mentors and role models for the rest of the choir.
The opportunity to achieve an even higher level exists in the form of the adult chamber chorus, Gaudeamus. Some choral scholars are invited to sing with both Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus, other singers may return later to join this exceptional ensemble. In everal concerts each year Chorus Angelicus combines with Gaudeamus to perform major works.
The team
The Artistic Director of Joyful Noise and the conductor of Chorus Angelicus was Nicholas White until July of 2011, composer, organ scholar of Clare College, Cambridge from 1986-89, Assistant Organist and Choirmaster of Washington D.C.'s National Cathedral, 1994-98, and Organist and Choirmaster of St. Michael's Church, New York City from 1998-2005. He is also founder and director of the Tiffany Consort. Currently, the Executive Director is Mary Sue Cavanagh. Board Chair is Nathaniel Gunod.
Discography
Year Title Featuring 2006 What Child is This? Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus
Directed by Paul Halley2001 A Christmas Peace Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus
Directed by Paul Halley2000 Untraveled Worlds Chorus Angelicus
Directed by Paul Halley1996 Wondrous Love Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus
with the Battell Brass
Directed by Paul Halley1995 Christmas Angelicus Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus
Directed by Paul Halley1994 Voices of Light Chorus Angelicus
Directed by Paul HalleyProgram
Chorus Angelicus annually presents three main programs: Music for a Great Space, a free concert in Hartford, CT; Christmas Angelicus (6-7 concerts of this program are given in December in as many locations throughout northwestern Connecticut); and a final performance of a great work -- J.S. Bach's great Mass in B Minor in June 2007 -- with orchestra.
External links
- The Official Chorus Angelicus Website
- [www.NicholasWhiteMusic.com]
Categories:- American choirs
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