¡Buena Onda! Music From South America
Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall
Acts
Maria Guinand, Guest Conductor
The Music of Alberto Grau: Two Song Cycles for Treble Voices and Orchestra
Grau: Cinco Canciones Infantiles
Grau: Opereta Ecológica
Grau: Cinco Canciones Infantiles
Grau: Opereta Ecológica
Featuring Distinguished Concerts Orchestra and Distinguished Concerts Singers International
Martin Palmeri, Composer/Conductor
Palmeri: Misa a Buenos Aires (Misatango)
Featuring Distinguished Concerts Orchestra and Distinguished Concerts Singers International
Saul Zaks, Guest Conductor
Martín Palmeri, DCINY Composer-in-Residence
Palmeri: Gran Misa (World Premiere)
Palmeri: Gran Misa (World Premiere)
Featuring Distinguished Concerts Orchestra and Distinguished Concerts Singers International
Also Featuring:
Carla Filipcic Holm, Soprano
Kirsten Allegri Williams, Mezzo-Soprano
Shawn Mlynek, Tenor
André Chiang, Baritone
Daniel Binelli, Bandoneón
Participating Groups
Coro Eurolatinoamericano de Viena
Warren Youth Singers
Andover Choral Society
Probsteikantorei Königslutter
Hong Kong International School Middle School Choir
Coro Calliope
Les Choeurs De Provence
Le Tourdion
Presentation of Mary Academy Children's Choir
Coral Pilar St. John's
Westlake Houston Community Choir
Kantorei Bargteheide
Caritas Children's Chorale
Concertkoor Haarlem
St. Petersburg State University Alumni Choir
Nordhäuser Kantorei
McDougle Middle School Choir
Evang. - Luth. Kirchengemeinde St. Thomas
Oliveira Middle School Varsity Treble Choir
Stuttgarter Oratorienchor e.V.
Sinfonischer Chor Greven and Oratorienchor Münster
Coral Do Senado
Prima Vocal Ensemble
Evangelischer Kirchenchor Lennep
HAW Chor Hamburg
Special Guests
Artist's Name
Maria Guinand
Artist's Name
Martín Palmeri
Artist's Name
Saul Zaks
Artist's Name
Carla Filipcic Holm
Artist's Name
Alberto Grau
Artist's Name
Kirsten Allegri Williams
Artist's Name
Shawn Mlynek
Artist's Name
André Chiang
Artist's Name
Daniel Binelli
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Click the image to viewParticipating Group Directors
Andover Choral Society
Michael Driscoll
Dr. Michael Driscoll began his tenure as Music Director of the Andover Choral Society in the fall of 2013. Driscoll is also Director of Choirs and Music Teacher at Brookline High School and past President of the Massachusetts chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. His doctoral dissertation, “Jan Dismas Zelenka’s ‘Dixit Dominus’ Settings Within the Context of the Dresden Hofkapelle,” was awarded the American Choral Directors Association’s 2016 Julius Herford Dissertation Prize. Driscoll earned an MM in Choral Conducting from the New England Conservatory and a DMA in Choral Conducting from Boston University.
Founded in 1929, the Andover Choral Society is one of the oldest continually performing choral groups in the United States. The Andover Choral Society performs two concerts each year, singing a repertoire that focuses on fine choral and choral-orchestral works from the Baroque era through the twenty-first century. In January 2017, the chorus performed Misa a Buenos Aires (Misatango), accompanied by a professional soloist, orchestra, and bandoneón player. Other recent choral concerts have included Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, Rutter’s Requiem, and Orff’s Carmina Burana. More information on the Andover Choral Society can be found at andoverchoralsociety.org.
Founded in 1929, the Andover Choral Society is one of the oldest continually performing choral groups in the United States. The Andover Choral Society performs two concerts each year, singing a repertoire that focuses on fine choral and choral-orchestral works from the Baroque era through the twenty-first century. In January 2017, the chorus performed Misa a Buenos Aires (Misatango), accompanied by a professional soloist, orchestra, and bandoneón player. Other recent choral concerts have included Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, Rutter’s Requiem, and Orff’s Carmina Burana. More information on the Andover Choral Society can be found at andoverchoralsociety.org.
Coro Eurolatinoamericano de Viena
Pablo Boggiano
Pablo Boggiano was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He studied conducting at the national conservatory “Lopez Buchado” with Mario Benzecry and at the Argentinean Catholic University. At the age of 18 he made his debut at the cathedral of Buenos Aires with the Requiem of Faurè and became assistant of the National Youth Symphony Orchestra. In Europe he studied with Prof. Scott Sandmeier Conservatory of Paris, with Thomas Doss Konservatorium Wien, Erwin Accel as well as with Jorma Panula in Helsinki. Prof. Berau, a former student of Olivier Messiaen, grants him the prize as winner of international competitions and conducted the Orchestra Boréal in Paris. In 2003 he was invited by Ivan Fischer to work with the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Pablo Boggiano works regularly in Eastern Europe in Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Slovakia with Orchestras such as Sofia Philharmonic, Kiev and Kharkov Philharmonic, Bratislava Philharmonic, Budapest Philharmonic, and others. In Argentina he works also regularly with the Sinfónica Nacional and Orquesta Filarmónica del Teatro Colón, and was second conductor at the production of “Der Rosenkavallier” from New Yorok Metropolitan at Teatro Colón in 2017. After ten performances of “The Magic Flute” in Niederösterreich with the support of Austrian government, he produced the World Opera-Tango premier in Theater Akzent Wien, with “Maria de Buenos Aires” from Piazzolla and “Mateo” from Martin Palmeri. In 2013 he worked with the Royal Philharmonic orchestra of London in CADOGAN HALL. During the season 2018-2019 he will work with the Tonkünstler-Ochester in Wiener Musikverein und Sankt Pölten and in 2020 will start his collaboration as a conductor with the Wiener Concert Verein, in Musikverein and Villach. In May 2019 he will record a CD for Naxos Europe with music of the composer Esteban Benzecry and the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Lviv- Ukraine. Invited by Maestro Gustavo Dudamel to work with Simon Bolivar Orchestra.
Coro Eurolatinoamericano de Viena is situated in Vienna, Austria and has been in existence since 2005. The coral singing has been conducted by Pablo Boggiano, choir director and conductor from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The choir concentrates on a song repertoire from all 13 South American countries, mainly folklore songs, catholic Masses and Christmas carols. Highlights of the choir’s public presentations in Vienna were performances i.e. in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein (famous for the New Year’s Concerts) 2019, and St. Stephan’s Cathedral 2010. The choir is proud having cooperated with the composer Martín Palmeri in his tango opera MATEO in 2015 and 2017 and be part of his Choir Festival Misa Tango since 2016 in the Vienna Concert Hall.
Coro Eurolatinoamericano de Viena is situated in Vienna, Austria and has been in existence since 2005. The coral singing has been conducted by Pablo Boggiano, choir director and conductor from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The choir concentrates on a song repertoire from all 13 South American countries, mainly folklore songs, catholic Masses and Christmas carols. Highlights of the choir’s public presentations in Vienna were performances i.e. in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein (famous for the New Year’s Concerts) 2019, and St. Stephan’s Cathedral 2010. The choir is proud having cooperated with the composer Martín Palmeri in his tango opera MATEO in 2015 and 2017 and be part of his Choir Festival Misa Tango since 2016 in the Vienna Concert Hall.
Warren Youth Singers
Bridget Warren
Bridget Warren began piano lessons at age 7. At 16, she taught voice and piano at a local music store and was later accepted at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She received the Vocal Faculty Award and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance and Masters Degree in Music Education. Upon graduation, she was accepted as a student performer of the Bel Canto Institute program in Florence Italy. She currently owns the Pasadena Performance Center in Pasadena, TX, is President of the Warren Youth Singers Community Choir, and is the Head Choir Director at Melillo Middle School in Houston, TX.
The Warren Youth Singers are a nationally recognized community choir that instills high-level musicianship and provides ample performance opportunities throughout the year. The WYS has performed with the Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) Choir in Carnegie Hall for presentations of "I Hear America Singing: The Music of André Thomas and Greg Gilpin" and the World Premiere of "La Cigarra y La Hormiga" by Cristian Grases. Additionally, the WYS perform at a number of local community events throughout the year, including upcoming Veteran's Day performances for the Salvation Army and various National Anthem performances at Rice University sporting events.
The Warren Youth Singers are a nationally recognized community choir that instills high-level musicianship and provides ample performance opportunities throughout the year. The WYS has performed with the Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) Choir in Carnegie Hall for presentations of "I Hear America Singing: The Music of André Thomas and Greg Gilpin" and the World Premiere of "La Cigarra y La Hormiga" by Cristian Grases. Additionally, the WYS perform at a number of local community events throughout the year, including upcoming Veteran's Day performances for the Salvation Army and various National Anthem performances at Rice University sporting events.
Probsteikantorei Königslutter
Matthias Wengler
Matthias Wengler has been Director of the Propsteikantorei Königslutter since 2004. From 1997 to 2001 he studied Protestant Church Music at the Musikhochschule in Cologne. Until his appointment to Königslutter, he was a church musician at St. Johannis (Braunschweig) until 2004. Numerous benefit concerts, which took place under his direction, led to the restoration of the important Furtwängler & Hammer organ in 2005. Guest concerts as organist, pianist and conductor as well as radio and CD recordings have taken him throughout Germany and into other European countries. Literary-musical programms, concerts as pianist and accompanist, unconventional organ concerts, school concerts, organ concerts for children, film music and musical projects as well as recently solo concerts as singer complete the work of the versatile church musician.
The Propsteikantorei Königslutter was founded in 2004 by Matthias Wengler. Every week about 40 singers from the whole Propstei come to Königslutter to rehearse in the parish hall of the town church. In addition to the regular musical performance at church services, the company's own concerts have been an integral part of the annual programm since 2006. Among the highlights of recent years were an NDR broadcast service with excerpts from Rossini's Petite Messe solennelle as well as numerous concerts in the Kaiserdom (among others Dvorák's Mass in D Major and Te Deum, Haydn's Creation, Mozart's Requiem and Coronation Mass, Mendelssohn's 42nd Psalm and "Lobgesang" Symphony, Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Beethoven's Mass in C Major, Gounod's Cecilia Mass and Requiem, Handel's Coronation Anthem and Fauré's Requiem). Braunschweig's provost cantor Heike Kieckhöfel has taken over the rehearsal for this year's choir project at Carnegie Hall.
The Propsteikantorei Königslutter was founded in 2004 by Matthias Wengler. Every week about 40 singers from the whole Propstei come to Königslutter to rehearse in the parish hall of the town church. In addition to the regular musical performance at church services, the company's own concerts have been an integral part of the annual programm since 2006. Among the highlights of recent years were an NDR broadcast service with excerpts from Rossini's Petite Messe solennelle as well as numerous concerts in the Kaiserdom (among others Dvorák's Mass in D Major and Te Deum, Haydn's Creation, Mozart's Requiem and Coronation Mass, Mendelssohn's 42nd Psalm and "Lobgesang" Symphony, Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Beethoven's Mass in C Major, Gounod's Cecilia Mass and Requiem, Handel's Coronation Anthem and Fauré's Requiem). Braunschweig's provost cantor Heike Kieckhöfel has taken over the rehearsal for this year's choir project at Carnegie Hall.
Hong Kong International School Middle School Choir
Laura Izaguirre de Pihowich
Laura Pihowich (b. Caracas, Venezuela) graduated in music from McGill University (B.Mus.) and Westminster Choir College (M.Mus). She studied under choral conductors Joseph Flummertfelt and Iwan Edwards in choirs performing and recording with The New York Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Montreal Symphony under Maestros Kurt Mazur, Riccardo Muti, and Charles Dutoit. She has been a choral director of church and international schools’ choirs in Venezuela, USA, Canada, and China. Her groups have participated in Choir festivals in the Americas and Asia. Laura Pihowich is currently the Middle Choir School Choir director at Hong Kong International School, Hong Kong.
Hong Kong International School (HKIS) Middle School Choir is a dynamic ensemble with over 175 boys and girls. Many of our singers thrive to be in auditioned groups. Our Honor choir participates yearly at AMIS Honor Choir festivals in cities such as Jakarta, Amsterdam, Paris, Scotland, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Mumbai. A select group sings live on CNN Freedom Project against human slavery every year. 23 HKIS Honor Choir members in grades 6, 7, and 8 show their commitment and passion for singing travelling to New York City this summer. We call them the “Buena Onda” HKIS ensemble.
Hong Kong International School (HKIS) Middle School Choir is a dynamic ensemble with over 175 boys and girls. Many of our singers thrive to be in auditioned groups. Our Honor choir participates yearly at AMIS Honor Choir festivals in cities such as Jakarta, Amsterdam, Paris, Scotland, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Mumbai. A select group sings live on CNN Freedom Project against human slavery every year. 23 HKIS Honor Choir members in grades 6, 7, and 8 show their commitment and passion for singing travelling to New York City this summer. We call them the “Buena Onda” HKIS ensemble.
Coro Calliope
Esther Andrea Haarbeck
Esther Haarbeck was born in Karlsruhe (Germany). At age eight she started singing in many different choirs, studying piano and violin. She also made many quartet and orchestra experiences. She studied singing and musical pedagogy and didactic methods for schools. At present Esther is working in different fields of music: she teaches in a school of music in Lucerne, and directs choirs in Beckenried and Ascona, Switzerland. She also works with a local orchestra for choir works with orchestra. She leads Coro Calliope since 2001.
The musical repertoire of Coro Calliope, led by director Esther Haarbeck, includes works spanning the period from Baroque to contemporary, both a cappella and for chorus and instruments. Along their musical path, Coro Calliope has cultivated collaborations with other groups and connections with diverse musical genres, from ancient to classical, including references to Gregorian chant, lesser-known literature, jazz, and pop.
The musical repertoire of Coro Calliope, led by director Esther Haarbeck, includes works spanning the period from Baroque to contemporary, both a cappella and for chorus and instruments. Along their musical path, Coro Calliope has cultivated collaborations with other groups and connections with diverse musical genres, from ancient to classical, including references to Gregorian chant, lesser-known literature, jazz, and pop.
Le Tourdion
Florence Grandclément
Florence GRANDCLEMENT, born in the French Jura, is a musician, conductor and choirmaster. She runs a music and dance school in the jura. She has already conducted works for choir, solo and orchestra such as : Vivaldi's Gloria, Vespers for a Confessor of Mozart, Bach's Jesu Meine Freude, Ola Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass, Martin Palmeri's Misatango, Stabat Mater of Jenkins, Dobrogosz's Requiem and in 2018, an Oratorio for Peace to celebrate the end of World War I. In her region, she works for the development of music and choral singing and ensures its access to a large part of the population.
The Tourdion, a vocal ensemble of classical orientation, located in the French Jura, celebrated its 40th birthday last year. Under the direction of Florence Grandclément, the Tourdion has performed in recent years works for choir, soloist and orchestra such as: The gloria of Vivaldi, the Vespers for a confessor of Mozart, Jesu Meine Freude of Bach, the Sunrise Mass of Ola Gjeilo , Martin Palmeri's Misatango, Jenkins Stabat Mater and Dobrogosz's Requiem.
The Tourdion, a vocal ensemble of classical orientation, located in the French Jura, celebrated its 40th birthday last year. Under the direction of Florence Grandclément, the Tourdion has performed in recent years works for choir, soloist and orchestra such as: The gloria of Vivaldi, the Vespers for a confessor of Mozart, Jesu Meine Freude of Bach, the Sunrise Mass of Ola Gjeilo , Martin Palmeri's Misatango, Jenkins Stabat Mater and Dobrogosz's Requiem.
Presentation of Mary Academy Children's Choir
María Leticia González Lozada
Born in Venezuela, María Leticia González has been teaching vocal music at the elementary, middle and High School levels for over 20 years. She studied Choral Conducting with Maestros Alberto Grau and María Guinand and the Master of Music in Choral Conducting at “Simón Bolivar University” in Caracas. Mrs. González’s professional accomplishments include founding the “Pequeños Cantores Teresiano Choir”, “Pequeños Cantores Humboldt Choir” and “Voces Claras Mater Salvatoris”. Mrs. González also acted as Chair of the Department of Gregorian Chant at the Inter Diocesan Seminary of San José in her country. She was an active member and Assistant Conductor of the renowned “Cantoría Alberto Grau” and a member of the “Schola Cantorum de Venezuela” touring across Latin America, USA, Europe, Asia and Australia. María Leticia was invited to participate as a conductor and professor for more than 10 years in the program “Música para Crecer”, an initiative of the CAF (Andean Development Corporation) that fosters the social, intellectual and cultural development of children and young people with limited resources. This program has been developed over 18 years in 12 countries of the region, training choral directors for children and youth choirs. Since fall of 2015 she began teaching General Music at Presentation of Mary Academy in Hudson, NH, and founded the Choirs at the Academy. And since 2018 is part of the Musical teaching team at Bishop Guertin High School in NH. Mrs González has been invited to several performances including the World Premier of “La Avispa Brava” by Alberto Grau, conducted by Maria Guinand at Carnegie Hall, New York in 2017. She was awarded as “Choral Director of the Year 2018” by the New Hampshire American Choral Directors Association.
Presentation of Mary Academy Children’s Choir was founded in 2015 for elementary, middle and Junior High students. With just twenty singers at first, the ensemble has grown into two levels, Harmonia I and Harmonia II Choirs with more of 120 members. From its beginnings, Presentation of Mary Academy Children’s Choir has been receiving vocal training, studying and performing traditional, contemporary and liturgical choral music in several languages and difficulty levels with an average of five concerts per year. The Senior Choir members (Harmonia II) were invited to participate in the World Premier of “La Avispa Brava” by the recognized Choral Director and founder of La Schola Cantorum of Venezuela, Alberto Grau. The masterpiece was conducted by the Maestra Maria Guinand at Carnegie Hall in 2017. PMA Choir is releasing their first CD this year. Harmonia II singers are very excited with this new adventure with the DCINY at Carnegie Hall 2019.
Presentation of Mary Academy Children’s Choir was founded in 2015 for elementary, middle and Junior High students. With just twenty singers at first, the ensemble has grown into two levels, Harmonia I and Harmonia II Choirs with more of 120 members. From its beginnings, Presentation of Mary Academy Children’s Choir has been receiving vocal training, studying and performing traditional, contemporary and liturgical choral music in several languages and difficulty levels with an average of five concerts per year. The Senior Choir members (Harmonia II) were invited to participate in the World Premier of “La Avispa Brava” by the recognized Choral Director and founder of La Schola Cantorum of Venezuela, Alberto Grau. The masterpiece was conducted by the Maestra Maria Guinand at Carnegie Hall in 2017. PMA Choir is releasing their first CD this year. Harmonia II singers are very excited with this new adventure with the DCINY at Carnegie Hall 2019.
Les Choeurs De Provence
Gallian Ressort
Né en 1980, Gallian Ressort commence l’étude du piano à l’âge de 6 ans. Il suit les cours des Conservatoires de Mulhouse, Lille, Nevers, Marseille et Lyon, en solfège, piano, esthétique, harmonie, analyse. Il sera choriste dans l’ensemble vocal les « Chœurs contemporains » sous la direction de Roland Hayrabedian. Il étudie la direction d’orchestre avec Yves Cohen et Zsolt Nagy. Sous la tutelle de Dominique Rouits, il obtient le diplôme de direction d’orchestre de l’Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris. En 2008, il devient Chef de Chœur des « Chœurs de Provence ». En 2009, il prend la direction de l’Orchestre Philharmonique de Cadolive. En 2001, il crée l’Orchestre Symphonique « Philéor ». En 2012, il devient Chef de Chœur des « Petits Chanteurs d’Aix-en-Provence ».
Chœur à 4 voix mixtes rassemblant 66 choristes de la région Provence. Créé en 1980 par Alain Chouvet, puis dirigé par Claude Rose de 1998 à 2007, il est depuis 2008 dirigé par Gallian Ressort. Chaque année, les Chœurs de Provence se produisent à Marseille et dans la région, où un public nombreux apprécie leur programme constitué d’œuvres connues et moins connues, telles que : « Lelio » de Berlioz (2009) ; « Te Deum » de Kodaly (2010) ; « Lauda Sion » de Mendelssohn (2011) ; « Carmina Burana » de Carl Orff (2012). En 2008 et 2011, les Chœurs de Provence ont fait découvrir une œuvre contemporaine et surprenante, le « Magnificat » de Schönherr qui a connu un grand succès. En 2016, leur interprétation de la « Misatango » de M. Palmeri a enthousiasmé leur public.
Chœur à 4 voix mixtes rassemblant 66 choristes de la région Provence. Créé en 1980 par Alain Chouvet, puis dirigé par Claude Rose de 1998 à 2007, il est depuis 2008 dirigé par Gallian Ressort. Chaque année, les Chœurs de Provence se produisent à Marseille et dans la région, où un public nombreux apprécie leur programme constitué d’œuvres connues et moins connues, telles que : « Lelio » de Berlioz (2009) ; « Te Deum » de Kodaly (2010) ; « Lauda Sion » de Mendelssohn (2011) ; « Carmina Burana » de Carl Orff (2012). En 2008 et 2011, les Chœurs de Provence ont fait découvrir une œuvre contemporaine et surprenante, le « Magnificat » de Schönherr qui a connu un grand succès. En 2016, leur interprétation de la « Misatango » de M. Palmeri a enthousiasmé leur public.
Westlake Houston Community Choir
Phil O'Neal
Phil O’Neal is the Director of the Westlake Houston Community Choir and a native of Galveston, TX. He is a 2001 graduate of Prairie View A&M University and has been a music educator since 2004. He is currently the Head choral Director at Woodcreek Middle School in Humble ISD and the Worship Leader at the Atascocita United Methodist Church in Atascocita, TX. He is currently working on a Master of Music (Music Education) at Boston University and will graduate in the summer of 2020. He is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia & Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc.
The West Lake Houston Community Choir (WLHCC) was founded in June of 2018 by Bishop Paul A. Hardin as a partnership between Dominion Church International - West Lake Houston and Mr. Phil O'Neal, a renowned area choir director. Both Bishop Hardin and Mr. O'Neal have a deep and abiding passion for the residents of West Lake Houston and realized that the gift of music is one of the greatest ways to bring together people from disparate backgrounds. The aim of the WLHCC is to foster musicality among its members and to provide performance and travel opportunities that broaden their horizons.
The West Lake Houston Community Choir (WLHCC) was founded in June of 2018 by Bishop Paul A. Hardin as a partnership between Dominion Church International - West Lake Houston and Mr. Phil O'Neal, a renowned area choir director. Both Bishop Hardin and Mr. O'Neal have a deep and abiding passion for the residents of West Lake Houston and realized that the gift of music is one of the greatest ways to bring together people from disparate backgrounds. The aim of the WLHCC is to foster musicality among its members and to provide performance and travel opportunities that broaden their horizons.
Kantorei Bargteheide
Andis Paegle
From an early age, Latvian conductor Andis Paegle has always possessed a passion for choral music. After being thoroughly immersed in rich vocal repertoire as a boy alto at the prestigious choir, he then went on to study at the Music Academy of Latvia; where he later completed a degree in Choral and Orchestral Conducting. As an organist, he followed the footsteps of Buxtehude and Bach to study early music and harpsichord at the Lübeck University of Music. Upon graduation, he became musical director of the Lutheran Parish of Bargteheide. Aside from his duties as musical director, Mr. Paegle continues to perform professionally with various ensembles on the international stage.
Founded in the early 1970‘s the parish choir „Bargteheider Kantorei“ from Northern Germany has contributed enormously to the musical life of its hometown by performing important works of sacral choral music from Bach to Palmeri. The choir unites younger and elder singers aged from as young as 17 to an age of even 90 years. Once a week these ambitious singers meet in their free time to study difficult repertory. Every year one major choral work is brought „on stage“. The little lutherian church of Bargteheide is then packed with people who enjoy the legendary concerts of „Bargteheider Kantorei“.
Founded in the early 1970‘s the parish choir „Bargteheider Kantorei“ from Northern Germany has contributed enormously to the musical life of its hometown by performing important works of sacral choral music from Bach to Palmeri. The choir unites younger and elder singers aged from as young as 17 to an age of even 90 years. Once a week these ambitious singers meet in their free time to study difficult repertory. Every year one major choral work is brought „on stage“. The little lutherian church of Bargteheide is then packed with people who enjoy the legendary concerts of „Bargteheider Kantorei“.
Coral Pilar St. John's
Rodolfo Diorio
Mr Rodolfo Diorio was born in Buenos Aires, He is a Senior Music and Piano Professor, graduated from the National Conservatory and graduated in Choral Direction in Munich studying with Karl Richter at the München Hochschulle with a specialization in Baroque style. He has been invited to various advanced seminars. He attended a course given by Dr. Helmuth Rilling, directing Gäginger Kantorei at the Collegium Bach of Stuttgart. Rodolfo also attended the International Course of Choral Direction of the Orfeó Lleidata about Ancient Music with Jordi Savall in Catalunya, Spain. Invited by Dr. Phd. David Junker, he gave a course on Renaissance Madrigals in Brasilia. He recently performed with Pilar St. John’s Choir, The World Premiere of Credo-Tango, from the argentinian composer Martín Palmeri at Lincoln Center in New York, and directed one of the performances in the Cycle of Argentinian Performers at Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.
Coral Pilar St. John’s was created in 2001 with non professional singers, being directed since its creation by Mr. Rodolfo Diorio. It’s repertory includes different style compositions, performing among them Misa Solemnis from W.A. Mozart with a very well known orchestra, Magnificat from John Rutter with Symphonic Orchestra from El Salvador University from Buenos Aires, Misa Criolla from Ariel Ramirez together with Opus 4 in several opportunities. Coral Pilar St John’s attends concert cyles in Buenos Aires, like First Methodist Church, Bs As Engineering University, Sacred Music Cycle in Nuestra Señora del Valle among others. It has also been invited to perform in different festivals in Argentina, such as Puerto Iguazú (Misiones), San Martin de los Andes (Neuquen), La Cumbre (Cordoba), Festival Coral Argentino (Salta and Mendoza). Also in foreign countries, like Colonia, in Uruguay, Foz do Iguaçú in Brasil and Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. In 2017, together with other performers from international choirs and orchestra, Coral Pilar St. Johns´s attended the worldwide premiere of Credo-Tango from the argentinian composer Martin Palmieri at Lincoln Center in New York.
Coral Pilar St. John’s was created in 2001 with non professional singers, being directed since its creation by Mr. Rodolfo Diorio. It’s repertory includes different style compositions, performing among them Misa Solemnis from W.A. Mozart with a very well known orchestra, Magnificat from John Rutter with Symphonic Orchestra from El Salvador University from Buenos Aires, Misa Criolla from Ariel Ramirez together with Opus 4 in several opportunities. Coral Pilar St John’s attends concert cyles in Buenos Aires, like First Methodist Church, Bs As Engineering University, Sacred Music Cycle in Nuestra Señora del Valle among others. It has also been invited to perform in different festivals in Argentina, such as Puerto Iguazú (Misiones), San Martin de los Andes (Neuquen), La Cumbre (Cordoba), Festival Coral Argentino (Salta and Mendoza). Also in foreign countries, like Colonia, in Uruguay, Foz do Iguaçú in Brasil and Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. In 2017, together with other performers from international choirs and orchestra, Coral Pilar St. Johns´s attended the worldwide premiere of Credo-Tango from the argentinian composer Martin Palmieri at Lincoln Center in New York.
St. Petersburg State University Alumni Choir
Edward Krotman
Edward Krotman was born in 1968 in Leningrad. He began to sing at the age of three and to play the violin at the age of six. In 1986 he graduated from the Choral School of the Leningrad State Glinka Cappella. From 1986–1988 he was conscripted into the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Leningrad Military Base. In 1992 he graduated with distinction from the St Petersburg Conservatoire, completing his trainee assistantship as a choral conductor two years later. In 1991 he received a diploma and a special prize at the International Choral Conducting Competition in Tallinn. From 1994–1999 he was Principal Chorus Master of the St Petersburg Conservatoire Music Theatre. From 2000–2004 he was Artistic Director of the Smolny Cathedral Chorus. From 1985 he was a chorus master at the St Petersburg University, while since 1994 he has been Artistic Director of the Students’ Chorus of the St Petersburg State University. Since 2007 he has also directed the Graduates’ Chorus. In 2012 he graduated from the St Petersburg Conservatoire, specialising in opera and symphony music conducting. Recipient of the medal of the order “For Services to the Fatherland”, 2nd class.
One of the oldest Amateur choirs in Russia, winner of all-Russian and international competitions, the Choir of St. Petersburg state University was founded in 1889. Students, graduates and teachers of the University sing in the choir. The group has more than a hundred singers and is focused on the performance of major musical forms. The repertoire of the Choir: Mahler's Eighth Symphony, Orff's Carmina Burana, the Requiems of Mozart and Verdi, the Opera Iolanta by Tchaikovsky, Cavalleria Rusticana Mascagni and more. The group performs at the best concert venues in St. Petersburg, cooperates with leading orchestras and soloists. The choir regularly prepares Russian premieres in cooperation with the Mariinsky theatre and the Philharmonic. Along with the major musical forms, the singers are subject to the finest nuances in a cappella miniatures and folk songs. The group toured with great success in Europe, in 2002 was awarded participation in the Papal mass in the Vatican. SPBU choir is the first among non-professional choirs of Russia who performed at the legendary Carnegie Hall in new York (in 2015).
One of the oldest Amateur choirs in Russia, winner of all-Russian and international competitions, the Choir of St. Petersburg state University was founded in 1889. Students, graduates and teachers of the University sing in the choir. The group has more than a hundred singers and is focused on the performance of major musical forms. The repertoire of the Choir: Mahler's Eighth Symphony, Orff's Carmina Burana, the Requiems of Mozart and Verdi, the Opera Iolanta by Tchaikovsky, Cavalleria Rusticana Mascagni and more. The group performs at the best concert venues in St. Petersburg, cooperates with leading orchestras and soloists. The choir regularly prepares Russian premieres in cooperation with the Mariinsky theatre and the Philharmonic. Along with the major musical forms, the singers are subject to the finest nuances in a cappella miniatures and folk songs. The group toured with great success in Europe, in 2002 was awarded participation in the Papal mass in the Vatican. SPBU choir is the first among non-professional choirs of Russia who performed at the legendary Carnegie Hall in new York (in 2015).
Concertkoor Haarlem
Ger Vos
Ger Vos, 1944, attended the Conservatory of Maastricht and Rotterdam and obtained Master degrees in Choir conducting and Performing Musician Orchestra Conducting. Many courses followed, amongst which the renowned Wiener Meister Kurse (Master Class of Vienna) with Swedish choir pedagogue professor Eric Ericson. Besides teaching at various music academies in the Netherlands, leading scratch performances and workshops, and acting as guest director of symphony orchestras, Ger Vos is the permanent conductor of several choirs and orchestras in the Netherlands. He has conducted many performances, ranging from opera and big oratory works to a cappella pieces performed with smaller vocal ensembles.
Concertkoor Haarlem was founded by Albert de Klerk in 1946. In 1991 he handed over the baton to Ger Vos, who still conducts the choir to this day. Concertkoor Haarlem is a very ambitious choir that has set itself the goal of making music at the highest possible level. The choir has more than 100 singers and rehearses weekly, guided by a conductor and repetitor who have more than earned their spurs. For this reason, professional orchestras and soloists love performing with them. The more than 150 performances include works by Mozart, Verdi, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Bach, among others.
Concertkoor Haarlem was founded by Albert de Klerk in 1946. In 1991 he handed over the baton to Ger Vos, who still conducts the choir to this day. Concertkoor Haarlem is a very ambitious choir that has set itself the goal of making music at the highest possible level. The choir has more than 100 singers and rehearses weekly, guided by a conductor and repetitor who have more than earned their spurs. For this reason, professional orchestras and soloists love performing with them. The more than 150 performances include works by Mozart, Verdi, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Bach, among others.
Caritas Children's Chorale
Ysomar Echazabal Granados
Ysomar Echazabal Granados was born in Caracas, Venezuela. She was awarded a full scholarship to study at the University of Miami, School of Music, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in 1994, graduating Cum Laude. Dr. Echazabal Granados was also granted a Teaching Assistantship at the same institution, where she obtained her Master’s and Doctorate degrees with an Award of Academic Merit. Dr. Echazabal Granados has taught music for over 27 years. She has served as a temporary full time music professor at Broward College (Central Campus), and an adjunct professor at Miami Dade College and Nova University. For 17 years, she taught music in two schools of the Archdiocese of Miami. Echazabal Granados opened her own music academy in 2019 where she teaches piano, early childhood music classes and directs Caritas Children's Chorale. Dr. Echazabal Granados is a member of The Music Teachers National Association (NTMA), the Early Childhood Music Association (ECMA), The National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM), and The American Federation of Pueri Cantores (AFPC).
Although Caritas Children's Chorale was born in December 2018, its members have been working with Dr. Echazabal Granados for several years. Dr. Echazabal Granados in 2015 brought the majority of the members of Caritas to sing for Pope Francis. In 2017, they also participated in the world premier of "La Avispa Brava" by Alberto Grau at Carnegie Hall as part of the Distinguished Concerts International New York Series. The mission of Caritas Children’s Chorale is to promote the personal growth of children age 8-16 through meaningful experiences in music and vocal performance. Through their participation in Caritas Children’s Chorale, young singers establish a lifelong relationship with chorale music of various genres, cultural origins, and world languages. Caritas Children's Chorale is active in the community of South Florida singing in competitions, festivals, and community events.
Although Caritas Children's Chorale was born in December 2018, its members have been working with Dr. Echazabal Granados for several years. Dr. Echazabal Granados in 2015 brought the majority of the members of Caritas to sing for Pope Francis. In 2017, they also participated in the world premier of "La Avispa Brava" by Alberto Grau at Carnegie Hall as part of the Distinguished Concerts International New York Series. The mission of Caritas Children’s Chorale is to promote the personal growth of children age 8-16 through meaningful experiences in music and vocal performance. Through their participation in Caritas Children’s Chorale, young singers establish a lifelong relationship with chorale music of various genres, cultural origins, and world languages. Caritas Children's Chorale is active in the community of South Florida singing in competitions, festivals, and community events.
Nordhäuser Kantorei
Michael Kremzow
Michael Kremzow was born in 1981 in Pforzheim. He studied Kirchenmusik in Heidelberg and Frankfurt. From 2007 to 2009 he was Assistant at the Christuskirche Mannheim. Since 2009 he ist Kantor at the Blasiikirche Nordhausen.
The Nordhäuser Kantorei - founded in 1952 by Rudolf Mönch - is one of the largest choirs in northern Thüringen. The Repertoire of the choir contains the great works of Bach, Mozart but also Composers of the present Age. One of the first concerts of the "Misatango" in eatstern Germany was in 2011 in Nordhausen.
The Nordhäuser Kantorei - founded in 1952 by Rudolf Mönch - is one of the largest choirs in northern Thüringen. The Repertoire of the choir contains the great works of Bach, Mozart but also Composers of the present Age. One of the first concerts of the "Misatango" in eatstern Germany was in 2011 in Nordhausen.
McDougle Middle School Choir
John Benton
John Benton is the Choral and Orchestra Director at McDougle Middle School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Since beginning teaching in 2011, his choirs and orchestras have consistently earned Superior ratings at Music Festivals across the United States. John earned his Master's of Arts in Teaching degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A student of Steinway Artist, Mayron Tsong, he received his Bachelor's of Music Degree in Piano Performance from The University of North Carolina. John has traveled and worked with choirs in Italy, Cuba, Argentina, and Spain. This is McDougle Middle School’s debut concert at Carnegie Hall.
The McDougle Middle School Choir, under the direction of John Benton, has performed in numerous festivals across the United States. Most recently, our choirs have earned 'Best Overall Choir' at the Music in the Parks Festivals at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. In 2017, the choirs were awarded the 'Gold Mickey' and 'Best in Class' awards at The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The McDougle Choir has been an integral part of the Chapel Hill Community since the school's founding in 1994, and will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary next year.
The McDougle Middle School Choir, under the direction of John Benton, has performed in numerous festivals across the United States. Most recently, our choirs have earned 'Best Overall Choir' at the Music in the Parks Festivals at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. In 2017, the choirs were awarded the 'Gold Mickey' and 'Best in Class' awards at The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The McDougle Choir has been an integral part of the Chapel Hill Community since the school's founding in 1994, and will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary next year.
Evang. - Luth. Kirchengemeinde St. Thomas
Olga Frank
The German Olga Frank was born in Buguruslan, Russia. At the age of seven she started studying piano in a music school. Since then she always sang in choirs, too. Later she got her qualification as a music teacher, specialized in piano playing. Since 1996 she works in the Ev. – Luth. Kirchengemeinde St. Thomas, Augsburg, in different fields of music like directing the childrens choir or playing the organ at church. She represents the choir “ Chaiplains” as the director.
The Ev.- Luth. Church-Community St. Thomas, Augsburg, was founded in 1960 and has two church buildings today working together. The main choir is called “Chaplains”. It was founded in 2001 and has about 60 members meanwhile. The musical repertoire of the Chaplains includes works like the Chichester Palms by Bernstein, the Christmas Oratorio by C. Saint-Saȅns, the German Requiem by Brahms, the Carmina Burana by Carl Orff and of course the Misa Tango by Palmeri.
The Ev.- Luth. Church-Community St. Thomas, Augsburg, was founded in 1960 and has two church buildings today working together. The main choir is called “Chaplains”. It was founded in 2001 and has about 60 members meanwhile. The musical repertoire of the Chaplains includes works like the Chichester Palms by Bernstein, the Christmas Oratorio by C. Saint-Saȅns, the German Requiem by Brahms, the Carmina Burana by Carl Orff and of course the Misa Tango by Palmeri.
Sinfonischer Chor Greven and Oratorienchor Münster
Harald Meyersick
Harald Meyersick (pianist/keyboard player) masters several music styles. After pursuing a broad international concert career he founded the Musik Akademie (1996). In 2003 the Musik Akademie was turned into a non-profit cultural institution. Next to his musical career he was lecturing at the Federal Academy for Musical Youth-Education in Trossingen, where he developed the curriculum for electronic keyboards for the Verband Deutscher Musikschulen (VDM). He continued publishing and writing for various publishers in order to spread his musical know-how on a global scale. The following years were filled of own compositions, e.g. children musicals ("Die Zauberflöte, Emil der kleine Elch", etc.) and several pieces for choirs. His passion for choral music was highlighted by the founding of the pop-choir "chor'ken". Followed by a huge success of the performance of the Requiem by W.A. Mozart he dedicated himself to classical symphonic choirs. Thus, in 2006 the "Symphonic Choir of the Music Academy" was founded.
The "Sinfonische Chor der Musik Akademie“ (Symphonic Choir of the Music Academy) has been launched as a project choir under the direction of Harald Meyersick in January 2005. The intention of the choir is the development and performance of large symphonic choral works with orchestra. Following this intention the choir publicly performed for the first time in 2006 with the Requiem by W.A. Mozart. The response was overwhelming am motivated H. Meyersick to start another project. The Christmas Oratorio by. J.S. Bach came to stage in 2008. And again the reviews were full of praise so that the choir, now including up to 30 singers, tool up an ever bigger challenge: The Great Mass in C minor by W.A. Mozart! A highlight in in the Vita of the choir was also the performance of Carmina Burana by Carl Off at the 5th anniversary of the city „Greven an die Ems“ with the Kaliningrad State Symphony Orchestra. With a performance of The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins the choir presented again its enormous potential to an enthusiastic audience. Still under the unforgettable impression of this concert H. Meyersick choose another poignant choral work and brought Stabat Mater of Welsh Composer Karl Jenkins to the stage. Another milestone was the performance of Misa Tango by Martin Palmeri in spring 2015. Further highlights were the invitation to Misa Tango Choir Festival 2017 in February in Vienna and the world premiere in New York of Palmeri´s Tango Credo in April 2017.
The Oratory Choir Munster is part of the University of Muenster (Westphalian-William-University, WWU), Germany, and is attached to the Institute for Music Pedagogy. The choir was founded in 2003 and since then has been a well-respected element of Muenster´s very rich cultural life. The choir is open to students, to all other members of the university`s various faculties, to graduates and alumni but also to interested citizens of Muenster. They all want to rehearse and perform old and modern choral music, mostly liturgical but also secular. Past performances include but are not limited to, Ola Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass (2015), Dan Forrest's Requiem for the Living (2017), Martín Palmeri, Misa a Buenos Aires (2018).
Stuttgarter Oratorienchor e.V.
Enrico Trummer
Enrico Trummer studied music, musicology and artistic performance training at the University and Conservatory of Heidelberg where he also had a teaching assignment for vocal and instrumental coaching. For many years he held teaching assignments at the University of Music in Heidelberg and Stuttgart. With several choirs Trummer won choir-competitions. In 1995 he was elected for artistic director of the STUTTGARTER ORATORIENCHOR. Respecting the more than 170-year-old history of this choir, Trummer puts it at the heart of his own artistic work to foster the quality through intense, motivating and precise rehearsal work, ambitious concert programs and the selection of qualified voices, and to develop it continuously further.
The "Stuttgarter Oratorienchor e.V." is the oldest actively performing choir of the capital of Baden-Württemberg and is specializing in „sacral choral music“. It was founded in Stuttgart in 1847. It is one of the leading amateur choirs in Württemberg. Today, the choir is realizing three concert programs of big choral-symphonic works every year. For their concerts they engage famous soloists from the opera and oratorio field and are accompanied by renowned orchestras like the Stuttgart Concertino (members of the State Orchestra and of the Stuttgart Philharmonics) and guest orchestras from Czech, South Tirol, Poland and Hungary. Their concerts usually take place at Beethovensaal/Liederhalle, in the Abbey Church Stuttgart and in the Cathedral Church St.Eberhard. The choir today consists of approximately 60 active singers who must audition in order to qualify. In their weekly rehearsals the choir also addresses and learns about the musical and historical context of each piece. Their musical spectrum comprises early Baroque music up to moderate contemporary music of the 20th century: They perform important works of church music - for instance Oratorio, Passion, Mass, Requiem etc.. - but also „forgotten master-pieces“. The choir’s activities are documented in a series of videos that can be found on Youtube. Regular concert tours during the last 20 years have brought the choir to prestigious churches and concert halls beyond Germany, for example to Cracow (Poland), Prague and Brno (Czech Republic), Budapest, Sopron and Eisenstadt (Hungary), Imperia and Lago Maggiore (Italy) and Cardiff (UK). They are often collaborating with recognized local soloists and musicians.
The "Stuttgarter Oratorienchor e.V." is the oldest actively performing choir of the capital of Baden-Württemberg and is specializing in „sacral choral music“. It was founded in Stuttgart in 1847. It is one of the leading amateur choirs in Württemberg. Today, the choir is realizing three concert programs of big choral-symphonic works every year. For their concerts they engage famous soloists from the opera and oratorio field and are accompanied by renowned orchestras like the Stuttgart Concertino (members of the State Orchestra and of the Stuttgart Philharmonics) and guest orchestras from Czech, South Tirol, Poland and Hungary. Their concerts usually take place at Beethovensaal/Liederhalle, in the Abbey Church Stuttgart and in the Cathedral Church St.Eberhard. The choir today consists of approximately 60 active singers who must audition in order to qualify. In their weekly rehearsals the choir also addresses and learns about the musical and historical context of each piece. Their musical spectrum comprises early Baroque music up to moderate contemporary music of the 20th century: They perform important works of church music - for instance Oratorio, Passion, Mass, Requiem etc.. - but also „forgotten master-pieces“. The choir’s activities are documented in a series of videos that can be found on Youtube. Regular concert tours during the last 20 years have brought the choir to prestigious churches and concert halls beyond Germany, for example to Cracow (Poland), Prague and Brno (Czech Republic), Budapest, Sopron and Eisenstadt (Hungary), Imperia and Lago Maggiore (Italy) and Cardiff (UK). They are often collaborating with recognized local soloists and musicians.
Oliveira Middle School Varsity Treble Choir
Meagan Contreras
Ms. Meagan Contreras graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2015. She is currently in her 3rd year of teaching. In addition to teaching daily at her campus, she is also involved with local community theater productions as an actress and pit orchestra conductor. Meagan also performs annually with the Diane Brumley Chorale in San Antonio, TX. Since her time at Oliveira, she has directed "Seussical Jr." for the past two years with a cast of about 30 students. She plans to continue her formal education and pursue a degree in Vocal Performance.
The Oliveira Middle School Varsity Women's Choir is making their debut out-of-state performance here in NYC. This choir has received numerous Sweepstakes ratings at UIL contest and "Best in Class" ratings at music festivals. They frequently do recruitment performances at elementary schools and community service at nursing homes. This choir is the top ensemble on campus
The Oliveira Middle School Varsity Women's Choir is making their debut out-of-state performance here in NYC. This choir has received numerous Sweepstakes ratings at UIL contest and "Best in Class" ratings at music festivals. They frequently do recruitment performances at elementary schools and community service at nursing homes. This choir is the top ensemble on campus
Stuttgarter Oratorienchor e.V.
Enrico Trummer
Coral Do Senado
Glicínia Mendes
Glicínia Mendes – Director Degree in Composition and Conducting and also Degree - Music at the University of Brasilia (1985); Modern Languages - English at the Federal University of Goiás (1980). Conducted training courses in Orchestral and Choral Conducting with Gerald Kegelman (Germany), Manoel Prestamo (USA), John Pool (England) and Manuel Ivo Cruz (Portugal). Own compositions and arrangements for solo instruments, chamber music, choir and orchestra. Served at Brasília’s Music School since 1980 as music teacher, conductor and coordinator of orchestras. Founding conductor of Brazilian Senate Choir since 1986. As a conductor she has performed throughout the country and in South America, Europe and North America.
Started activities under the direction of Glicínia Mendes in August 1996. Choir singers are staff of the institution. No prior experience is required. Choir trips are paid by the singers themselves. Recorded CD's: "Canta Brazil" and "Hymns of Brazil". In 2005/July performed Bizet's "Carmen" at National Theatre as invited choir by Opera Studio (Brasilia's University). Symphonic choral repertoire: "Mass in D Major" - A. Dvorak; Festival Mass - J. Leavitt; "The Messiah" - G.F. Handel; "Misatango" - Martín Palmeri. The group has performed throughout Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador, USA and Austria. Concerts in partnership with other choirs and orchestras: Martín Palmeri's Misatango - première: in Brasília (with Coro Lírico and Orchestra 2011/June); at Carnegie Hall, New York - USA ; in Natal, RN - Brazil in 2015/September and at Wiener Konzert Haus in Vienna, Austria.
Started activities under the direction of Glicínia Mendes in August 1996. Choir singers are staff of the institution. No prior experience is required. Choir trips are paid by the singers themselves. Recorded CD's: "Canta Brazil" and "Hymns of Brazil". In 2005/July performed Bizet's "Carmen" at National Theatre as invited choir by Opera Studio (Brasilia's University). Symphonic choral repertoire: "Mass in D Major" - A. Dvorak; Festival Mass - J. Leavitt; "The Messiah" - G.F. Handel; "Misatango" - Martín Palmeri. The group has performed throughout Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador, USA and Austria. Concerts in partnership with other choirs and orchestras: Martín Palmeri's Misatango - première: in Brasília (with Coro Lírico and Orchestra 2011/June); at Carnegie Hall, New York - USA ; in Natal, RN - Brazil in 2015/September and at Wiener Konzert Haus in Vienna, Austria.
Prima Vocal Ensemble
Ewa Salecka
Ewa Salecka is an accomplished choral director, conductor, vocal coach and pianist who has dedicated the past 10 years to dynamically transforming the face of community singing in York, UK. In this time she has produced high profile events with professional artists from all over the world, providing a performance platform for local and foreign musicians and singers. Her passion for diversity coupled with her embrace of old and contemporary, pioneering vocal training techniques and solid classical background has honed her fresh and original approach. As a conductor, Ewa has raised her baton for professional ensembles that include The Mowbray Orchestra, The Prima Concert Orchestra, Baltic Neopolis Quartet, York Railway Institute Band. Her conductor's repertoire boasts large works such as Morten Lauridsen's 'Lux Aeterna', Karl Jenkins' "The Armed Man" and Martin Palmeri's "Misa A Beunos Aires". In addition, she regularly leads choral and instrumental groups of every size and style. Ewa maintains excellent artistic relationships with organisations in the UK and abroad; the accompanying performance opportunities providing life-changing experiences for many of Prima singers. In her time in York, Prima choirs have had the opportunity to perform music of every imaginable genre in locations such as Carnegie Hall, Cadogan Hall, York Minster, York Barbican, Harrogate Royal Hall, The Royal Albert Hall - even the top of the Italian Tyrol and the UNESCO Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Prima Vocal Ensemble is a 100 strong non-auditioning York choir, founded in 2010 by musical director Ewa Salecka with pianist Greg Birch, celebrated for their contrasting concerts and projects with diverse repertoires. Since the inception the choir have given performances in venues from Carnegie Hall NYC, London’s Cadogan Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Harrogate’s Royal Hall, European cathedrals and concert halls, underground churches and even Alpine mountain tops. In December 2015 their musical dexterity was recognised with a bronze award in an international choral competition held in Krakow. Collaborations have included the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Mowbray Orchestra, the Prima Concert Orchestra, York Railway Institute Band amongst others. Performance repertoire ranges from large orchestral works - Lux Aeterna – M. Lauridsen, Misa Tango –M.Palmeri, The Drop That Contained The Sea – Ch. Tin, Calling All Dawns – Ch. Tin, The Armed Man –K. Jenkins, Requiem – G.Faurie to classical and contemporary commercial music concerts. They regularly support charitable organisations and their continued success has seen them support acclaimed artists such as double Grammy winning composer Chirstopher Tin, flamenco-jazz composer Eduardo Niebla, X-Factor winner Sam Bailey and acclaimed tenor Russell Watson. www.primachoralartists.com
Prima Vocal Ensemble is a 100 strong non-auditioning York choir, founded in 2010 by musical director Ewa Salecka with pianist Greg Birch, celebrated for their contrasting concerts and projects with diverse repertoires. Since the inception the choir have given performances in venues from Carnegie Hall NYC, London’s Cadogan Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Harrogate’s Royal Hall, European cathedrals and concert halls, underground churches and even Alpine mountain tops. In December 2015 their musical dexterity was recognised with a bronze award in an international choral competition held in Krakow. Collaborations have included the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Mowbray Orchestra, the Prima Concert Orchestra, York Railway Institute Band amongst others. Performance repertoire ranges from large orchestral works - Lux Aeterna – M. Lauridsen, Misa Tango –M.Palmeri, The Drop That Contained The Sea – Ch. Tin, Calling All Dawns – Ch. Tin, The Armed Man –K. Jenkins, Requiem – G.Faurie to classical and contemporary commercial music concerts. They regularly support charitable organisations and their continued success has seen them support acclaimed artists such as double Grammy winning composer Chirstopher Tin, flamenco-jazz composer Eduardo Niebla, X-Factor winner Sam Bailey and acclaimed tenor Russell Watson. www.primachoralartists.com
Evangelischer Kirchenchor Lennep
Johannes Gessner
Johannes Gessner is the director of church music in Lennep, Germany. He graduated in conducting, organ and organ improvsation. In Lennep he conducts 5 choirs and a string orchestra. Additionally he is a composer fpr various kinds of ensembles and singer in the solo quintet "Opella Nova".
The Evangelischer Kirchenchor Lennep (Protestant Church Choir Lennep) was founded in 1890 and has performed a vast selection o church music since then. In the last years addtions were made as a Gospel Choir was founded as well as a chamber choir. The last celebrated performance was Monteverdi's "Vespro della beata vergine" in February 2019.
The Evangelischer Kirchenchor Lennep (Protestant Church Choir Lennep) was founded in 1890 and has performed a vast selection o church music since then. In the last years addtions were made as a Gospel Choir was founded as well as a chamber choir. The last celebrated performance was Monteverdi's "Vespro della beata vergine" in February 2019.
HAW Chor Hamburg
Ursula Krosch
Uschi Krosch works as a choir director, musician, teacher and vocal coach in Hamburg, Germany. Having studied piano, musical education and choral conducting, she has been cooperating with Bobby McFerrin and Rhiannon in vocal improvisation workshops for the past years. She is the musical director of the Choir of the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg). Besides that, she is working with other choirs and involved in several theater performances, vocal coaching and various collaborations, always focusing on contemporary music.
The Choir of the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) was founded in 2011 and has since been directed and conducted by Uschi Krosch. 150 active performers from different academic backgrounds make the choir stand out for its diversity and solidarity. Enjoying jazz, pop and ethnic music, the choir has also performed a range of classical music with various ensembles, orchestras and big bands including Martín Palmeri’s "Misatango", Karl Jenkins’s "Stabat Mater", Dan Forrest’s "Requiem for the Living", Carl Orff’s "Carmina Burana" and many more.
The Choir of the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) was founded in 2011 and has since been directed and conducted by Uschi Krosch. 150 active performers from different academic backgrounds make the choir stand out for its diversity and solidarity. Enjoying jazz, pop and ethnic music, the choir has also performed a range of classical music with various ensembles, orchestras and big bands including Martín Palmeri’s "Misatango", Karl Jenkins’s "Stabat Mater", Dan Forrest’s "Requiem for the Living", Carl Orff’s "Carmina Burana" and many more.