SF Choral Artists presents 25 by 25 by 25

San Francisco Choral Artists

Want to hear what 25 years of expanding the choral repertoire sounds like? The nationally-known chamber ensemble, San Francisco Choral Artists, showcases 25 works, selected from the 130 works premiered under Artistic Director Magen Solomon. Best-loved past premieres from 10 Bay Area luminaries are on the program, along with 5 new works about the moon, a cat, a bird, and feathers.

Described as "...amongst the foremost unaccompanied singing groups... on this or any other coast" by artssf.com, the 25 Choral Artists are featuring composers who have enriched all our lives, including Ted Allen, Herb Bielawa, Russell Burnham, Paul Crabtree, Robin Estrada, Tina Harrington, Kirke Mechem, Henry Mollicone, Jerry Mueller, Benjamin Taylor, and past winners of SFCA's New Voices competition. New works are by Composer-In-Residence Brian Holmes, Composer-NOT-In-Residence Christopher Marshall, and the winner of 2010's New Voices competition for composers under age 30.

Throughout her 15 years with SF Choral Artists, Dr. Solomon has avidly cultivated engagements with living composers to bridge the gulf between composer, performer, and audience. "Music needs to be live music," she comments. "It's easy to listen to flawless recordings, but having live singers in front of live audiences singing music by living composers has always been a critical part of our group." And composers must have their music performed well to fully realize their vision—as well as support publication. "Helping composers achieve publication—and reach a wider audience—is part of our mission to foster new choral repertoire."

So, will you like this concert? One Choral Artist explains: "'New' music doesn't have to be 'ugly' or 'dissonant.' Most of our newly-composed music is beautiful by any standard. Some is flat-out funny. And some is, yes, 'dissonant,' but often in unexpected and charming ways, e.g., Mueller's 'Fireworks' mimics sounds of a fireworks display, and the crowd watching it."

"The Choral Artists sang with fervor, discernment, and tonal beauty"
-- Anna Carol Dudley, San Francisco Classical Voice

Venue: St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Date: Sat June 19, 2010 8:00pm
City: Palo Alto
Price Range: $10 student; $19 senior, $23 general advance purchase; $10/$25/$30 at door
Tickets: 415-979-5779