Eternal Light
Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall
Acts
Jonathan Griffith, DCINY Artistic Director and Principal Conductor
Howard Goodall: Eternal Light
Featuring Distinguished Concerts Orchestra and
Distinguished Concerts Singers International
Distinguished Concerts Singers International
Bradley Ellingboe, Guest Conductor
Morten Lauridsen: Lux aeterna
Featuring Distinguished Concerts Orchestra and
Distinguished Concerts Singers International
Distinguished Concerts Singers International
Also Featuring:
Sarah Joy Miller, Soprano
Scott Joiner, Tenor
Steven Eddy, Baritone
Participating Groups
Coro Lux
Rio Rancho High School Concert Choir
St. John's Lutheran Church of Lakeville
University United Methodist 40th Anniversary Choir
Zion Lutheran Church Choir
Billericay Choral Society
Eccles Community Choir
The Sanctuary Choir from Salem First United Methodist Church
The Grove Singers of London & The Heathfield Choral Society
Helensburgh Oratorio Choir
Hook Choral Society
Loyola University
Methodist College Chapel Choir
Weymouth Choral Society & Barclays House Choir
St. Andrew United Methodist Church Chancel Choir
St. Luke's Chancel Choir, St. Luke's United Methodist Church Houston, TX
Special Guests
Artist's Name
Jonathan Griffith
Artist's Name
Bradley Ellingboe
Artist's Name
Howard Goodall
Artist's Name
Sarah Joy Miller
Artist's Name
Scott Joiner
Artist's Name
Steven Eddy
Participating Group Directors
Coro Lux
Bradley Ellingboe
Bradley Ellingboe has led a wide-ranging career in the world of singing, including accomplishments as a choral conductor, soloist, composer, scholar and teacher. As a choral conductor he has led festival choruses in 35 states and 14 foreign countries. He made his operatic conducting debut in December, 2011, leading the world-premiere of Stephen Paulus’s opera Shoes for the Santo Niño in a joint production by the Santa Fe Opera and the University of New Mexico. As a bass-baritone soloist he has sung under such conductors as Robert Shaw, Helmuth Rilling, and Sir David Willcocks. Ellingboe has over 130 pieces of music in print, including the Requiem for chorus and orchestra, which has been performed more than 300 times in this country and Europe, and his newest work, Star Song, which had its New York debut (Lincoln Center) in May of 2014, and its European debut in July of that year. For his scholarly work in making the songs of Edvard Grieg more accessible to the English-speaking public, he was knighted by the King of Norway in 1994. As a teacher, the University of New Mexico Alumni Association named him Faculty of the Year in 2008.
Coro Lux is a new community chorus, based in Albuquerque and founded in the fall of 2015. It has gotten off to a rousing start, including its debut concerts in the historic Kimo Theater (1926) in downtown Albuquerque, two performances with the Chicago Arts Orchestra in early March, Days of Wine and Roses at Casa Rondeña Winery, and plans to sing in Carnegie Hall in November of this year.
Coro Lux is a new community chorus, based in Albuquerque and founded in the fall of 2015. It has gotten off to a rousing start, including its debut concerts in the historic Kimo Theater (1926) in downtown Albuquerque, two performances with the Chicago Arts Orchestra in early March, Days of Wine and Roses at Casa Rondeña Winery, and plans to sing in Carnegie Hall in November of this year.
Rio Rancho High School Concert Choir
Becky Talbott
Raised in an Army family, Becky travelled the world before settling in New Mexico in the late 1970’s. She received her Bachelors of Music Education degree with Distinction in December 1984 and a Master’s of Music Education degree in May 2002 both from the University of New Mexico. She is currently in her eighth year as Director of Choral Activities at Rio Rancho High School in Rio Rancho, NM. Becky also adjudicates festivals and directs Honor Choirs throughout the region. She is married to Dale and has two sons, two daughters-in-law, and two adorable granddaughters.
The Rio Rancho High School Choir program currently boasts over 160 members singing in five choirs. The Rio Rancho High School Concert Choir is known for excellence in the state of New Mexico consistently receiving Superior ratings at Music Performance Assessments, including perfect scores two years in a row. They were selected as the New Mexico All State Honor Choir 2015. Concert Choir was the New Mexico State Choir runner up in 2015 and the State Choir Champion in 2016.
The Rio Rancho High School Choir program currently boasts over 160 members singing in five choirs. The Rio Rancho High School Concert Choir is known for excellence in the state of New Mexico consistently receiving Superior ratings at Music Performance Assessments, including perfect scores two years in a row. They were selected as the New Mexico All State Honor Choir 2015. Concert Choir was the New Mexico State Choir runner up in 2015 and the State Choir Champion in 2016.
St. John's Lutheran Church of Lakeville
Jonathan Kopplin
Jonathan Kopplin lives in Lakeville with his wife and two sons. Jonathan has a variety of experience teaching music in private and public schools and working as a church musician in Minnesota and Iowa. He grew up in Nisswa, MN and went to college at Luther College in Decorah, IA, and earned a Master's of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.
The St. John’s Chancel Choir is our adult choir in Lakeville, MN. We have a long and cherished relationship with Bradley Ellingboe as a musician, friend and son of St. John’s, and we are incredibly honored to join him in New York!
The St. John’s Chancel Choir is our adult choir in Lakeville, MN. We have a long and cherished relationship with Bradley Ellingboe as a musician, friend and son of St. John’s, and we are incredibly honored to join him in New York!
University United Methodist 40th Anniversary Choir
John W. Carpenter
John W. Carpenter is the Director of Music at University United Methodist Church, Irvine, California where he directs the Chancel Choir. He also is the Assistant Director for the Saddleback Valley Community Chorale, Mission Viejo, California. Mr. Carpenter holds a Masters of Music History from California State University, Fullerton and Bachelors of Music with Conducting Emphasis from Chapman University studying under Dr. William Hall and John Koshak. John served as President of the Orange County chapter of the National Association of Church Musicians. In addition, Mr. Carpenter has directed Broadway musicals, as well as childrens, youth, and handbell choirs.
Early in 2015, the University United Methodist Chancel Choir began plans for a very special celebration to honor John Carpenter’s 40 years as Director of Music. They first commissioned Bradley Ellingboe to compose an anthem and dedicate it to Mr. Carpenter. To inaugurate the anthem, an extensive search began seeking alumni choir members from the past 40 years. The results were glorious. On November 8, 2015, seventy current and former choir members joined voices to premiere, “We Are More Than Conquerors,” conducted by its composer, Bradley Ellingboe! Tonight, 30 members from that Reunion Choir sing with joy in Carnegie Hall.
Early in 2015, the University United Methodist Chancel Choir began plans for a very special celebration to honor John Carpenter’s 40 years as Director of Music. They first commissioned Bradley Ellingboe to compose an anthem and dedicate it to Mr. Carpenter. To inaugurate the anthem, an extensive search began seeking alumni choir members from the past 40 years. The results were glorious. On November 8, 2015, seventy current and former choir members joined voices to premiere, “We Are More Than Conquerors,” conducted by its composer, Bradley Ellingboe! Tonight, 30 members from that Reunion Choir sing with joy in Carnegie Hall.
Zion Lutheran Church Choir
Dr. Roselyn Hanson Weber
Roselyn Hanson Weber serves as Director of Music and Worship at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, MN, and as soprano section leader for the National Lutheran Choir. She previously served as Kantor in the district of Telemark, Norway. Roselyn completed doctoral studies in choral conducting with Dr. Craig Hella Johnson of Austin, TX, and sang with “Conspirare” under his direction. Her earlier music studies included St. Olaf College, where she sang with the St. Olaf Choir, and Yale University. While in CT, she sang with “Concora” and served on the music faculty of Connecticut College.
The Adult Choir of Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, MN is a 50-member strong choir with a long and rich history. The choir is an integral part of a vital music ministry at Zion, regularly leading worship services for the large congregation it serves, as well as offering choral worship services for Christmas and Holy Week each year. This performance marks the choir’s third performance with Dr. Ellingboe, having been invited to sing under his direction in New York City in 2010, and in New Orleans in 2015.
The Adult Choir of Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, MN is a 50-member strong choir with a long and rich history. The choir is an integral part of a vital music ministry at Zion, regularly leading worship services for the large congregation it serves, as well as offering choral worship services for Christmas and Holy Week each year. This performance marks the choir’s third performance with Dr. Ellingboe, having been invited to sing under his direction in New York City in 2010, and in New Orleans in 2015.
Zion Lutheran Church Choir
Dr. Roselyn Hanson Weber
Billericay Choral Society
David Todd
David Todd is an English conductor, repetiteur and organist. He was trained in Choral Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music, and prior to this at Oxford University. His work is increasingly taking him abroad; he holds the post of Guest Conductor of the choir of Turku Cathedral, Finland, has worked for the Swiss-Italian Conservatoire in Switzerland, and as Associate Repetiteur for the Lyric Opera Studio in Weimar, Germany. He has worked on and developed mixed arts events with the Southbank Centre and Courtauld Gallery in London, and this season worked with Hampstead Garden Opera and University College Opera.
Billericay Choral Society in the county of Essex to the east of London and formed over 40 years ago is a group of about 40 singers usually performing three or four concerts a year. Their repertoire stretches from the great choral works of composers such as Bach, Handel, Mozart and Verdi to folk songs and choruses from musicals and operettas. The choir takes part in the biennial Brentwood Choirs Festival when a group of local choirs join together to perform a major work with full orchestra, in 2015 this was Howard Goodall’s Requiem of Light.
Billericay Choral Society in the county of Essex to the east of London and formed over 40 years ago is a group of about 40 singers usually performing three or four concerts a year. Their repertoire stretches from the great choral works of composers such as Bach, Handel, Mozart and Verdi to folk songs and choruses from musicals and operettas. The choir takes part in the biennial Brentwood Choirs Festival when a group of local choirs join together to perform a major work with full orchestra, in 2015 this was Howard Goodall’s Requiem of Light.
Eccles Community Choir
Angela Rowley
Angela Rowley is a graduate in German from London University and following a career in modern languages teaching, began solo singing training. She has worked with many eminent teachers including the late Paul Hamburger, and has been an Associate of the Royal College of Music since 2000. She has performed throughout the UK and in Romania, France, Austria and Germany. Angela performs regularly with choral societies, at Music Societies, concerts and lunchtime recitals with a broad repertoire from oratorio to Lieder and Chansons, 20th century English Song and modern musicals. She coordinates and conducts the Harmony '96 choir which performs large works twice a year and is M. D. of Eccles Community Choir.
Additionally, Angela has a private practice, regularly runs performance workshops and masterclasses, is a member of The Incorporated Society of Musicians and adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals. With her husband, Angela runs a charity in Kenya www.rowleyprojects.com.
Eccles Community Choir started life as Eccles Singers in 2003 when it was part of Eccles College’s Adult Provision but since 2010 when that provision ceased the choir has been independent and now has 50+ members of all ages, abilities and from all walks of life. The choir prides itself in being an integral part of community life in Eccles with regular concerts at the Town Hall. The choir is in demand throughout the year. Angela Rowley has been Musical Director since the choir’s inception and our regular accompanist is John Stott.
Weekly rehearsals include technique for improved breathing and voice production, learning new pieces from baroque to modern pop, refreshing old repertoire, much laughter and making new friendships. Members also enjoy meals out together.
In 2010 the choir entered the Buxton Festival of Music and was awarded first prize against some very classy opposition. The choir was commended for its energy and enthusiasm. In May 2012 the choir won first prize in the Chester Festival of Music.
Members of the choir were founder members of the Salford Family Orchestra and Chorus which has collaborated with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform specially composed pieces for Radio 3 and in the Royal Albert Hall, London, and other prestigious venues. They also performed for Her Majesty the Queen when she opened the new Media City in Salford in 2012.
This year the choir visited Lünen, Salford’s twin town in Germany for the second time, taking the opportunity to perform in Cologne cathedral as well as a gala Golden Jubilee concert in the town’s centre church.Members of the choir are hugely honoured to be invited to join this DCINY concert.
Additionally, Angela has a private practice, regularly runs performance workshops and masterclasses, is a member of The Incorporated Society of Musicians and adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals. With her husband, Angela runs a charity in Kenya www.rowleyprojects.com.
Eccles Community Choir started life as Eccles Singers in 2003 when it was part of Eccles College’s Adult Provision but since 2010 when that provision ceased the choir has been independent and now has 50+ members of all ages, abilities and from all walks of life. The choir prides itself in being an integral part of community life in Eccles with regular concerts at the Town Hall. The choir is in demand throughout the year. Angela Rowley has been Musical Director since the choir’s inception and our regular accompanist is John Stott.
Weekly rehearsals include technique for improved breathing and voice production, learning new pieces from baroque to modern pop, refreshing old repertoire, much laughter and making new friendships. Members also enjoy meals out together.
In 2010 the choir entered the Buxton Festival of Music and was awarded first prize against some very classy opposition. The choir was commended for its energy and enthusiasm. In May 2012 the choir won first prize in the Chester Festival of Music.
Members of the choir were founder members of the Salford Family Orchestra and Chorus which has collaborated with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform specially composed pieces for Radio 3 and in the Royal Albert Hall, London, and other prestigious venues. They also performed for Her Majesty the Queen when she opened the new Media City in Salford in 2012.
This year the choir visited Lünen, Salford’s twin town in Germany for the second time, taking the opportunity to perform in Cologne cathedral as well as a gala Golden Jubilee concert in the town’s centre church.Members of the choir are hugely honoured to be invited to join this DCINY concert.
The Sanctuary Choir from Salem First United Methodist Church
Dr. Kerry Burtis
Dr. Kerry Burtis is in his eighth year as the Director of Music Ministries at Salem First United Methodist Church in Salem, Oregon. He is also the newly appointed Director of Music at Chemeketa Community College. He has also taught high school music for nearly thirty years and served on the faculties of several colleges as an adjunct professor.
Dr. Burtis graduated with honors and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Augustana College in South Dakota. He received both his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Southern California.
The Sanctuary Choir from Salem First United Methodist Church leads the congregation in traditional worship services throughout the year, as well as performing two concerts with orchestra each year. We are proud to be represented in this performance by several of our singers!
Dr. Burtis graduated with honors and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Augustana College in South Dakota. He received both his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Southern California.
The Sanctuary Choir from Salem First United Methodist Church leads the congregation in traditional worship services throughout the year, as well as performing two concerts with orchestra each year. We are proud to be represented in this performance by several of our singers!
The Grove Singers of London & The Heathfield Choral Society
Brian Newman & Tim Rhys Morgan
The Grove Singers of London is a chamber choir of 40 voices which gives regular concerts in London, the South East of England and throughout Europe. Concert venues have varied from small village churches to European Cathedrals such as St Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Its enterprising programmes range from intimate a cappella concerts of sacred music, folk music and spirituals to contemporary works and larger scale works with professional orchestra, including works by Morten Lauridsen, Lux Aeterna and Howard Goodall, Eternal Light and Every Purpose Under the Heaven. They have given concerts on behalf of local and national charities and have raised well over £20,000 since their formation.
The choir was formed by Brian Newman in 1992. In February 2016 the baton was handed on to Tim Rhys Morgan who has established himself as a versatile and sensitive musician working with many singers, groups and choral societies across the UK.
The Heathfield Choral Society was formed in 1945 and is a community based choir. They are recognized as one of the most enterprising choirs in the area, performing regularly with professional orchestras and soloists. Their concerts have included a wide variety of sacred and secular works and first performances in the area, including Karl Jenkins The Armed Man in 2006. In 2009 they gave the first concert performance in East Sussex of Howard Goodall’s beautiful work, Eternal Light, and in 2016 performed his new work, Every Purpose Under the Heaven to great acclaim. They have strong links with choirs in France and have made a number of exchange visits to perform jointly with them.
Their Musical Director is Brian Newman. He has conducted throughout Europe, and has acted as chorus master for Classical Spectaculars and Opera Galas in major concert halls in UK.
The choir was formed by Brian Newman in 1992. In February 2016 the baton was handed on to Tim Rhys Morgan who has established himself as a versatile and sensitive musician working with many singers, groups and choral societies across the UK.
The Heathfield Choral Society was formed in 1945 and is a community based choir. They are recognized as one of the most enterprising choirs in the area, performing regularly with professional orchestras and soloists. Their concerts have included a wide variety of sacred and secular works and first performances in the area, including Karl Jenkins The Armed Man in 2006. In 2009 they gave the first concert performance in East Sussex of Howard Goodall’s beautiful work, Eternal Light, and in 2016 performed his new work, Every Purpose Under the Heaven to great acclaim. They have strong links with choirs in France and have made a number of exchange visits to perform jointly with them.
Their Musical Director is Brian Newman. He has conducted throughout Europe, and has acted as chorus master for Classical Spectaculars and Opera Galas in major concert halls in UK.
Helensburgh Oratorio Choir
Jonathon Swinard
Conductor and pianist Jonathon Swinard studied at St. Catherine’s College Oxford, where he held the New Chamber Opera Répétiteur Scholarship, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Between 2014-2016 he was engaged as Solorepetitor at the Staatstheater Nürnberg, where he conducted Carmen, Kiss me Kate, Singing in the Rain, Symphonie Fantastique (ballet) and Sleeping Beauty, alongside playing a vast range of operatic repertoire in rehearsal and concert. Prior to moving to Germany he spent two years on the music staff at Scottish Opera as the company’s first Emerging Artist Répétiteur, during which time he also worked regularly for the Opera School at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He has also worked for Clonter Opera, Edinburgh Grand Opera, Haddo House Opera, British Youth Opera, Lyric Opera Studio Weimar and New Chamber Opera. From 2013-2014 he held the Alexander Gibson Choral Conducting Fellowship with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Chorus. In 2014 he was the assistant conductor for the world-premiere of Nicola Lefanu’s chamber opera Tokaido Road for Okeanos. Every summer he works as Chief Répétiteur for the renowned Solti Accademia di Bel Canto in Tuscany. In September 2016 he returns to Glasgow to rejoin the Music Staff of Scottish Opera as Musical Director for Opera Highlights, and Chorus Master for L’amico Fritz, Le villi and La bohème. He is also the Musical Director of the Hutchesons’ Choral Society and the Helensburgh Oratorio Choir, and enjoys a varied freelance career as conductor, vocal coach and accompanist.
Based in a seaside town on the north bank of the Clyde in Scotland, Helensburgh Oratorio Choir have been entertaining audiences with high quality choral singing for more than fifty years. Recent concerts cover four centuries of composers from Bach to Goodall. To the huge delight of audiences, drawn from both local residents to regular visitors from over 50 miles away, they aim to perform choral works of the highest quality with professional orchestras and soloists. In addition to large scale concerts they also undertake a number of charity concerts in venues from Stirling to Haddington. In May 2016 our concert at Wellington Church in Glasgow raised £1300 for the Douglas McKerrell Prize at the Scottish International Piano Competition and Choir Funds. In the Helensburgh and Lomond Community Spirit Awards 2010, the Choir was awarded a finalist's certificate under the Lifetime Achievement Award, reflecting the choir's ongoing contribution to the civic life of the area.
Based in a seaside town on the north bank of the Clyde in Scotland, Helensburgh Oratorio Choir have been entertaining audiences with high quality choral singing for more than fifty years. Recent concerts cover four centuries of composers from Bach to Goodall. To the huge delight of audiences, drawn from both local residents to regular visitors from over 50 miles away, they aim to perform choral works of the highest quality with professional orchestras and soloists. In addition to large scale concerts they also undertake a number of charity concerts in venues from Stirling to Haddington. In May 2016 our concert at Wellington Church in Glasgow raised £1300 for the Douglas McKerrell Prize at the Scottish International Piano Competition and Choir Funds. In the Helensburgh and Lomond Community Spirit Awards 2010, the Choir was awarded a finalist's certificate under the Lifetime Achievement Award, reflecting the choir's ongoing contribution to the civic life of the area.
Hook Choral Society
Nicholas Woods
Nicholas Woods was appointed Musical Director of Hook Choral Society in 1996. A classically trained, professional musician, Nicholas was educated at the Royal Academy of Music where he was organ scholar and sub-organist at Southwark Cathedral. He was awarded the Recital Diploma, which is the highest available. Nicholas holds a Masters Degree from the University of Reading, a postgraduate MusB from Durham and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists and Trinity College of Music. He has been associated with a wide variety of musical styles and traditions for many years and is well known for recital work and for developing choirs to their full potential.
Hook Choral Society enjoy singing a varied musical repertoire, performing four public concerts each year often with students from the Royal Academy of Music as soloists. The choir has a full membership of about sixty voices; an ensemble of over twenty singers has travelled to New York City for this special event. We are thrilled to be here. HCS also participated in the recording of Karl Jenkins' 'The Peacemakers' at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London and in 2013 they celebrated their 25th anniversary by performing Mozart's 'Requiem' accompanied by the prestigious English Chamber Orchestra.
Hook Choral Society enjoy singing a varied musical repertoire, performing four public concerts each year often with students from the Royal Academy of Music as soloists. The choir has a full membership of about sixty voices; an ensemble of over twenty singers has travelled to New York City for this special event. We are thrilled to be here. HCS also participated in the recording of Karl Jenkins' 'The Peacemakers' at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London and in 2013 they celebrated their 25th anniversary by performing Mozart's 'Requiem' accompanied by the prestigious English Chamber Orchestra.
Loyola University
Meg Frazier
Dr. Meg Frazier is Director of the School of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Loyola University New Orleans, where she conducts the University’s three choirs and teaches choral music education methods and conducting. A native of Longview, Texas, Dr. Frazier holds degrees from Sam Houston State University and Louisiana State University. In addition to her work with Loyola choirs, Dr. Frazier is the artistic director/conductor of the award-winning choirs of NOVA, a New Orleans-based adult community choir organization. She is a frequent collaborator with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and New Orleans Opera. Dr. Frazier enjoys guest conducting; last year, she was the conductor/clinician for the Kentucky SATB all-state choir and the Alaska SSA all-state choir, in addition to numerous regional honor choirs in the southeastern U.S. Dr. Frazier is an active member of ACDA, the College Music Society, and the American Guild of Organists.
The Loyola University Choir is an ensemble of students from Loyola’s three choirs (University Chorus, Loyola Chorale, Chamber Singers). The choirs at Loyola have performed at state and regional ACDA and MENC chapter conferences, most recently collaborating with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra to present Mozart’s “Requiem” at the 2015 La-ACDA conference in New Orleans. Loyola singers participate in a full range of vocal activities each year, including choral masterworks and chamber concerts, a fully-staged opera and opera scenes program, masterclasses with world-class artists, and individual lessons and coaching sessions under the guidance of our faculty performer-teachers. Loyola proudly claims among our recent alumni international performers Bryan Hymel, Justin Hopkins, David Castillo, and Melody Moore. Please visit www.loyno.edu/music for more information.
The Loyola University Choir is an ensemble of students from Loyola’s three choirs (University Chorus, Loyola Chorale, Chamber Singers). The choirs at Loyola have performed at state and regional ACDA and MENC chapter conferences, most recently collaborating with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra to present Mozart’s “Requiem” at the 2015 La-ACDA conference in New Orleans. Loyola singers participate in a full range of vocal activities each year, including choral masterworks and chamber concerts, a fully-staged opera and opera scenes program, masterclasses with world-class artists, and individual lessons and coaching sessions under the guidance of our faculty performer-teachers. Loyola proudly claims among our recent alumni international performers Bryan Hymel, Justin Hopkins, David Castillo, and Melody Moore. Please visit www.loyno.edu/music for more information.
Methodist College Chapel Choir
Mrs Ruth McCartney MBE
Ruth McCartney MBE-director of Methodist College Chapel Choir Before coming to Methodist College Ruth McCartney was Head of Music at Markethill High School from 1988-1994. She is best known for her work with the Choirs in Methody. As well as the achievements with the Chapel Choir, under her directorship, the Girls Choir has been Sainsbury’s Choir overall choir of the Year twice and UTV choir of the Year twice. Ruth has both sung in and conducted many choirs over the years. In the early nineties she was one of two sopranos in the six part choral group Kaleidoscope who broadcast regularly on television and radio. She was a music critic for the Irish News and is an examiner with CCEA. In the 2003 New Year’s honours list she was awarded an MBE for her services to education. She was also awarded an honorary ABRSM from the Royal School of Church Music in 2005. In the same year, she conducted the Girls Choir when they went on tour to Vienna and Salzburg with the Vienna Boys’ Choir. She is delighted that her two daughters will be both be singing in the choir tonight.
The Chapel Choir is one of 5 choirs in Methody. It concentrates mainly on liturgical music and has established a strong reputation through frequent radio and television broadcasts. The choir has sung in various English Cathedrals and in 2016 returned to Westminster Abbey for its eleventh residency in recent years. Under Ruth McCartney the Choir has been Songs of Praise Senior School Choir of the Year, UTV Grammar School Choir of the Year and RTE Choir of the Year. Methody regularly produces both organ and choral scholars for Oxbridge Colleges. Although regular recitals and concerts are seen as important, the choir continues to fulfil an important role in the spiritual life of the Methodist College community. In addition to annual events such as Carol Services and Prize Distributions, the choir provides music at weddings, funerals and memorial services in the Chapel of Unity. This choir often joins with the College’s Senior Choir to perform large-scale choral works with the College Orchestra. They have visited the USA twice in the last four years. In October 2010 they went on a 3 centre tour with the Girls Choir and Irish traditional Group to New York, Washington and Philadelphia, and in January 2011, 24 members of the Chapel Choir sang in the US première of Karl Jenkins’ Gloria in Carnegie Hall. In May 2012, the Choir performed for Her Majesty the Queen during her visit to Dublin.
The Chapel Choir is one of 5 choirs in Methody. It concentrates mainly on liturgical music and has established a strong reputation through frequent radio and television broadcasts. The choir has sung in various English Cathedrals and in 2016 returned to Westminster Abbey for its eleventh residency in recent years. Under Ruth McCartney the Choir has been Songs of Praise Senior School Choir of the Year, UTV Grammar School Choir of the Year and RTE Choir of the Year. Methody regularly produces both organ and choral scholars for Oxbridge Colleges. Although regular recitals and concerts are seen as important, the choir continues to fulfil an important role in the spiritual life of the Methodist College community. In addition to annual events such as Carol Services and Prize Distributions, the choir provides music at weddings, funerals and memorial services in the Chapel of Unity. This choir often joins with the College’s Senior Choir to perform large-scale choral works with the College Orchestra. They have visited the USA twice in the last four years. In October 2010 they went on a 3 centre tour with the Girls Choir and Irish traditional Group to New York, Washington and Philadelphia, and in January 2011, 24 members of the Chapel Choir sang in the US première of Karl Jenkins’ Gloria in Carnegie Hall. In May 2012, the Choir performed for Her Majesty the Queen during her visit to Dublin.
Weymouth Choral Society & Barclays House Choir
Helen Brind
Helen Brind was appointed Musical Director of Weymouth Choral Society in 2000 and of Barclays House Choir, Poole, in 2014. Helen studied at the Royal College of Music and at Southampton University and has performed and conducted with many vocal and instrumental groups. She is a qualified teacher and freelance musical director who holds numerous awards from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music including LRSM (Choral Direction). Helen works with students of all ages and is a choral leader and singing teacher for the Dorchester Area Schools Partnership. She has two children, two dogs and two tubas!
Weymouth Choral Society has over 80 members and is based in the seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset, England where there has been a community choral group for over 130 years! We aim to provide an environment where members can experience the joy of singing, performing a varied repertoire to a high standard: traditional sacred choral works; family-friendly Christmas concerts; lighter, secular summer music, and a range of modern sacred works including ‘Eternal Light’, which we first performed in 2015. We also enjoy working with other local musicians in combined ventures and particularly encourage the participation of youth choirs and instrumentalists.
Barclays House Choir celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The group was founded as a choir for employees in 1976 following the completion of the new Head Office of Barclays International in Poole, Dorset. Still financially supported by the Barclays Bank Arts Council, membership is now open to all enthusiastic singers in the community and currently numbers 41. We give two major concerts each year, pursuing our aim to study and perform to a high standard a range of choral repertoire both traditional and contemporary, from Handel’s ‘Messiah’ to Goodall’s ‘Eternal Light: A Requiem’ which we enjoyed performing in 2015.
St. Andrew United Methodist Church Chancel Choir
Taylor Scott Davis
Taylor Scott Davis serves as the Director of Music and Worship at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas. A 2003 graduate and notable alumnus of Centenary College of Louisiana, Taylor earned a Sacred Music degree while studying conducting with Dr. Julia Brasher Thorn, and intensive courses with Dr. Sandra Willets, Dr. Ann Howard Jones, Paul Oakley, Alice Parker, and Jane Marshall. In 2004, he became a Fellow of Melodious Accord. As a conductor, he has prepared groups for such venues as Carnegie Hall and the National Cathedral, and as a composer, his music has been performed by Grammy-winning group Conspirare and England’s Voces8.
The 75-member Chancel Choir is at the heart of the music ministry of St. Andrew, providing musical leadership in worship each Sunday at both services. Additionally, the Chancel Choir performs major works with professional orchestra in special concerts: A Salute to America on Memorial Day weekend, and A St. Andrew Christmas in December. Outside of St. Andrew, the choir has sung in the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Carnegie Hall in New York City, and in numerous cathedrals and performance halls across Europe. Last fall, the Chancel Choir was the anchor choir for Labor Day at the Cathedral, a choral festival highlighting America’s finest church choirs.
St. Luke's Chancel Choir, St. Luke's United Methodist Church Houston, TX
Sid Davis
Sid Davis is the Director of Music and Fine Arts at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston, where he oversees a program including music for children, youth and adults as well as the Rotunda Theatre and Art Gallery. He graduated from Centenary College of Louisana and did graduate work at the University of North Texas. Sid is a published composer/arranger and a Melodious Accord Fellow, studying under Alice Parker, as well as having toured with Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians as a soloist and instrumentalist. He enjoys traveling as a clinician for choral workshops around the country, but makes his home in Houston with his wife Cindy. The Davises have three adult children, two granddaughters and twin grandsons.
The Chancel Choir of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church enjoys a decades-long reputation in Houston as a dedicated ensemble whose music-making and community building set them apart. Leading in worship each and every Sunday as well as presenting major works and concerts, this hard working group prides itself on musical excellence and “family” at the same time. These singers were privileged to present the American premiere of Howard Goodall’s “Eternal Light” and have cherished the opportunity to present it several times since. This group counts itself fortunate to have worked with clinicians such as Brad Ellingboe, Bob Chilcott, Ann Howard Jones and James Jordan.
The Chancel Choir of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church enjoys a decades-long reputation in Houston as a dedicated ensemble whose music-making and community building set them apart. Leading in worship each and every Sunday as well as presenting major works and concerts, this hard working group prides itself on musical excellence and “family” at the same time. These singers were privileged to present the American premiere of Howard Goodall’s “Eternal Light” and have cherished the opportunity to present it several times since. This group counts itself fortunate to have worked with clinicians such as Brad Ellingboe, Bob Chilcott, Ann Howard Jones and James Jordan.
The Washington International Chorus
Joshua Brown
Joshua Brown is beginning his third season as the conductor of the Washington International Chorus. He is a classically trained baritone, who has performed in operas, recitals, and concerts at various venues including the Kennedy Center, Washington National Cathedral, Atlas Performing Arts Center, as well as many other venues throughout the DC Metropolitan area and abroad. As a music educator, he has taught and conducted musicians of all ages and abilities from Kindergarten to adult. As a believer in the power of music to form bonds of cultural appreciation and human understanding, he very much enjoys being the conductor of the Washington International Chorus.
The Washington International Chorus, Inc in Washington, DC exists for the sheer enjoyment of music. We believe choral music is particularly suitable for demonstrating the cultural richness of the world's peoples and communities. Transcending mere language, live choral performance allows audiences to experience the beauty, complexity and distinctiveness of living cultural heritage. At the same time, it serves as a reflection of positive cultural encounters and exchange, in which diverse traditions and languages communicate through art and come together through song.The chorus is non-auditioned and is open to singers from age 16 and up who have a desire to develop an international repertoire of choral music. We invite people from other countries who may be in the Washington DC area temporarily or permanently to join us so that singers with various backgrounds can join in learning a wide variety of choral music in various languages. The chorus was founded by Caroline Sparks, President, in 2008. She is singing with other chorus members at Carnegie Hall this evening.
The Washington International Chorus, Inc in Washington, DC exists for the sheer enjoyment of music. We believe choral music is particularly suitable for demonstrating the cultural richness of the world's peoples and communities. Transcending mere language, live choral performance allows audiences to experience the beauty, complexity and distinctiveness of living cultural heritage. At the same time, it serves as a reflection of positive cultural encounters and exchange, in which diverse traditions and languages communicate through art and come together through song.The chorus is non-auditioned and is open to singers from age 16 and up who have a desire to develop an international repertoire of choral music. We invite people from other countries who may be in the Washington DC area temporarily or permanently to join us so that singers with various backgrounds can join in learning a wide variety of choral music in various languages. The chorus was founded by Caroline Sparks, President, in 2008. She is singing with other chorus members at Carnegie Hall this evening.