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Robert Simpson is the founder and artistic director of Houston Chamber Choir and Dr. Betsy Cook Weber Houston Chamber Choir Artistic Director Designate. The Houston Chamber Choir celebrates its 30th anniversary season which will be founder Robert Simpson's last as he hands over the directorship to Dr. Cook Weber."From Startup to Standout" will feature the annual free show at Miller Outdoor Theater: “I Just Want to Celebrate! Songs from the ‘70s” and a world premiere from brilliant English composer Patrick Hawes: "Son of Man."And don't miss their Christmas show: “Glory in the Highest: Christmas at the Villa” performed at the Chapel at the Villa de Matel.Go to https://www.houstonchamberchoir.org for tickets and info.
On Friday's show: After another round of storms rolled through the area, we briefly talk weather with Space City Weather's Eric Berger.Next, Mayor Whitmire wants to end the city's ShotSpotter contract. We discuss why with Houston Chronicle reporter Yilun Cheng.Also this hour: Our non-experts break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.Then, we preview an upcoming Houston Chamber Choir concert featuring music by Dave Brubeck.And we learn about Taurean "Tory" Bush's efforts to release a graphic novel while serving time in prison.
On Friday's show: After another round of storms rolled through the area, we briefly talk weather with Space City Weather's Eric Berger.Next, Mayor Whitmire wants to end the city's ShotSpotter contract. We discuss why with Houston Chronicle reporter Yilun Cheng.Also this hour: Our non-experts break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the weekThen, we preview an upcoming Houston Chamber Choir concert featuring music by Dave Brubeck.And we learn about Taurean "Tory" Bush's efforts to release a graphic novel while serving time in prison
The Houston Chamber Choir performs Sarah Kirkland Snider's Mass for the Endangered.
The Houston Chamber Choir performs holiday music at Houston's Villa de Matel.
On November 17, Cappella Records is proud to present the world première recording of DANIEL KNAGGS' TWO STREAMS, performed by the GRAMMY® Award-winning Houston Chamber Choir led by Robert Simpson, with string ensemble Kinetic and world-class soloists.With musical threads dyed in Medieval, baroque, and contemporary colors, Knaggs' 2021 cantata weaves a breathtaking tapestry, an exploration of love and mercy that gives profound meaning to the transitory nature of life.Two Streams is structured around the words of Polish nun Maria Faustina Kowalska (1905–1938). From a poor family that struggled during the years of the First World War, she joined the Congregation of Sisters of Mercy where she received heavenly messages to share with the world, inspiring this sublime music by Daniel Knaggs.Available on SACD and produced by multi-GRAMMY® Award winner Blanton Alspaugh and the team at SoundMirror.TracksDaniel Knaggs (b. 1983)Two Streams Prologue (3:39) Thick Darkness (6:14) Song of Mercy I (3:11) Invocations (5:42) Only Love (3:32) Song of Mercy II (3:10) Merciful Heart (7:24) Meditation (6:11) Song of Mercy III (4:37) Mercy to Others (4:49) Mother of Mercy (6:15) Song of Mercy IV (4:32) Come, O Earth (5:08) Epilogue (5:29) Help support our show by purchasing this album at:Downloads (classicalmusicdiscoveries.store) Classical Music Discoveries is sponsored by Uber. @CMDHedgecock#ClassicalMusicDiscoveries #KeepClassicalMusicAlive#CMDGrandOperaCompanyofVenice #CMDParisPhilharmonicinOrléans#CMDGermanOperaCompanyofBerlin#CMDGrandOperaCompanyofBarcelonaSpain#ClassicalMusicLivesOn#Uber#AppleClassical Please consider supporting our show, thank you!Donate (classicalmusicdiscoveries.store) This album is broadcast with the permission of Sean Dacy from Rosebrook Media.
Jeff Ragsdale grew up in Houston, Texas and studied music and vocal performance at Houston Baptist University. He performs as a tenor soloist and has sung with the Bach Choir, The Church of St. John Divine, Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, St. Martin's Episcopal Church, the Congregation Emanu-El Choir, and the Houston Chamber Choir. He makes his home in Houston, Texas.
On this episode of Encore Houston, the Houston Chamber Choir and KINETIC present the world premiere performance of Two Streams, a cantata by Daniel Knaggs based on the writings of Saint Faustina. Music in this episode: DANIEL KNAGGS: Two Streams Caitlin Aloia, soprano Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano Christopher Bozeka, tenor Mark Diamond, baritone Robert Simpson, conductor Performance date: 11/6/2021 Originally aired: 1/28/2023 New episodes of Encore Houston air Saturdays at 10 PM, with a repeat broadcast Sundays at 4 PM, all on Houston Public Media Classical.
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The Houston Chamber Choir performs Brahms's German Requiem
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On Wednesday's show: The number of children killed by gun violence is on the rise in Houston. Anna Bauman from the Houston Chronicle joins us to discuss why this is part of a national trend. Also this hour: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Then, the Houston Chamber Choir performs selections from audience members' desert island playlists in a concert Saturday. And we visit the Houston Toy Museum.
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Christine Cummins is a budding soprano from Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her Bachelors of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Florida State University and her Masters of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Houston, where she appeared in multiple shows. In addition to singing, she enjoys performing musical theatre, has 14 years of training in piano, and taught herself how to play the bass guitar. Christine currently resides in Houston, Texas and is an active member of the Houston Chamber Choir.
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with Adams Jr. High choral directors, Jennifer Agbu and Tiffany Sau. Jennifer, a veteran teacher, started the program at Adams just before the pandemic. Despite circumstance, enrollment greatly expanded, leading to Tiffany's new position as a first year teacher. Together, the two are commanding a flourishing choral program, and have built a phenomenal partnership as colleagues and co-directors. Join us as we discuss how to develop a healthy co-director relationship, the mentor-colleague dynamic, and how teachers and students alike thrive with the right mindset and environment.
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with educator Peyton Moseley. Peyton is the Director of Choirs at Victory Lakes Middle School, and Assistant Choral Director at Clear Springs High School, both in Clear Creek ISD. Peyton received his Bachelors of Music Education from University of Houston, and began his first year as a middle school and high school choral teacher this past Fall. Despite challenges from the pandemic, his middle school choirs received top marks at University Interscholastic League (UIL), an annual assessment that grades the sight-reading and performance skills of choirs in Texas. Join as we discuss what it was like beginning as a teacher during the pandemic, and how Peyton learned to inspire his students.
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with educator Heather Orr. Heather is currently the Head Director of Choral Activities at Montgomery High School in Montgomery ISD. Heather holds a Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Heidelberg University. Choirs under Heather Orr's direction have performed at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention (TMEA) in 2018, 2010, and 2005. In addition, they have performed at the National ACDA Conferences in 2021 (Dallas, TX/virtual) and in 2011 (Chicago, IL), as well as the SWACDA Divisional Conference (Oklahoma City, OK) in 2018.
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with our very own Choral Conducting Intern, Matthew Lyon Hazzard. This past December, Matthew conducted the Houston Chamber Choir on his piece, “The Lamb.” Matthew talks about the performance, the experience of being an intern for a professional choir, and about the exciting things Houston Chamber Choir is doing for students in the Houston community and beyond.
In this latest episode of Behind the Music, we're excited to welcome long-time Houston Chamber Choir collaborator and performing arts writer, Carl R. Cunningham. Join arts and culture expert, St. John Flynn, as Cunningham looks back on over 25 years as a critic and program annotator in Houston's performing arts scene.
In this latest episode of Behind the Music, we're excited to welcome leading organist Daryl Robinson! Winner of both First Prize and Audience Prize in the 2012 American Guild of Organists National Competition in Organ Performance, Daryl currently serves as Assistant Professor of Organ at the University of Houston and Cathedral Organist for Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal). Join arts and culture expert St. John Flynn in this episode as Daryl talks about his friendship with the Houston Chamber Choir, his passion for the organ, and everything you need to know about this beautiful instrument!
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with Pearland High School Choir Director, Michael Kessler. Michael received his B.M. in Music Education at the University of Houston in 2011, and has been teaching ever since. Choirs under Michael consistently receive superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sightreading as well as other state and national music festivals. Just recently, he had 22 students move on to the third round of Texas All-State Choir auditions!
We welcome J. Todd Frazier, composer and Director at Houston Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine, on our first episode of Behind the Music. Todd is a long-time friend of the Houston Chamber Choir, and we have had the honor to perform some of his works. Most recently, we premiered his new work "Hymn for Strength," with words by Houston Poet Laureate Outspoken Bean, at the "To Bring Comfort" concert on November 6, 2021. Join arts and culture expert St. John Flynn as we take a glimpse into Todd's early interest in music, his friendship with the Houston Chamber Choir, and his passion to help his community through music and arts.
“Earth Song” was performed by the Houston Chamber Choir at the 2018-2019 season's “This Is Why I Sing.” This performance was featured on the first episode of With One Accord on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Get ready for our latest episode of Behind the Music with Houston Chamber Choir accompanist, Dr. Andreea Muţ! Andreea has been our piano master since 2015, and she played a significant role in our upcoming album Circlesong. Join arts and culture expert St. John Flynn on Andreea's musical world. Take a glimpse into her childhood in Romania, her remarkable academic journey in the states, and some of her favorite moments with Houston performers as a collaborative musician. After the show, enjoy Andreea's curated playlist!
Music Mondays featuring the Treble Choir of Houston and Founder and Artistic Director Marianna Parnas-Simpson. "Circles of Motion," composed by Bob Chilcott and text by Joy Harjo, performed by the Treble Choir of Houston with accompanist Andreea Muţ. This was performed and recorded at South Main Baptist Church in March 2019 and will be included in the Houston Chamber Choir's upcoming album Circlesong.
In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to alto and educator Clipper Hamrick! Hamrick has been singing with the Houston Chamber Choir since 2016 and is also a passionate middle school choir teacher in Conroe ISD.
In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to composer Mark Buller! Buller has collaborated with the Houston Chamber Choir on several occasions, including our most recent commission "The Passion of St. Cecilia".
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with conductor, singer and composer Dr. Zanaida Stewart Robles! Dr. Robles is a monumental community leader and advocate for diversity and inclusivity and shines with her ability to educate, motivate and inspire through choral music. Her vocal talents and passion for choral music performance and education have greatly benefited her Southern California community, as well as national and international audiences and students.
In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks with composer, pianist, producer and educator Paul English! Get to know Paul as he shares his favorite memories during the Houston Chamber Choir concerts, his musical childhood, and his expansive career.
In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks with countertenor Michael Skarke! Michael is one of the newest members of the Houston Chamber Choir, embarking on our journey with his unique voice since December of last year.
In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to Tenor and Board Member Jack Byrom! Byrom has performed with the Houston Chamber Choir since 2014. Jack is a double performer: in the tenor section during the weekends and as a full time lawyer during the week!
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with musician and educator Sonja Bruzauskas. Sonja is the Founder and Director of the pARTnerschools, an arts education non-profit dedicated to bringing the joy of music and art to all children, especially in our underserved communities. She also has a rich history with Houston Chamber Choir, formerly serving as a board member, choir member and instructor for the Rise Up Singing! educational program.
“Gloria” was performed by the Houston Chamber Choir at the 2016-2017 season's “Mass in B Minor.” Concertists: Kelli Lawless, Lauren Pastorek, Matthew Mazzola and Rameen Chaharbaghi Gloria (From Mass in B Minor, BWV 232) J.S. Bach (1685-1750) [Sung in Latin] [English translation:] Glory to God in the highest. And on earth peace to people of good will.
In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to soprano and educator Rebecca Castillo! Rebecca joined the soprano section of the Houston Chamber Choir in 2018 and has ever since enriched our performances. She is also very dedicated to teaching, lifting young voices at her work every day!
In the latest episode, we welcome Rameen Chaharbaghi, who has sung bass in the Houston Chamber Choir since 2016! Rameen is also a passionate music educator, having inspired young generations to enjoy music. Watch or listen to the episode and find out Rameen's favorites with his curated Spotify playlist!
“Give Me Strength” was performed by the Houston Chamber Choir and the Treble Choir of Houston at the 2019-2020 season's “Circlesong” and will be featured in their upcoming album to be released by Signum Classics. Give Me Strength Bob Chilcott (b. 1955) Give me strength to the walk the soft earth. Give me the eyes to see and the strength to understand that I might be like you With your power only can I face the winds, All over the earth we are all alike. Look upon these faces of children without number and with children in their arms. With your power only can they face the winds and walk the good road to the day of quiet. Give me strength.
For this very special 100th episode, we're inviting one of the Houston Chamber Choir's dear long friends, Dr. Carey Cannon! Carey is Minister of Music at South Main Baptist Church, and he has assisted us tremendously in preparing concerts held in the church's venue, especially the Hear the Future Annual Invitational festival, which we traditionally perform there every season! Watch or listen to the episode and find out Dr. Cannon's big favorites with his curated Spotify playlist!
Alto, arranger and composer Ryan Stickney chats with arts and culture expert St. John Flynn about her love for music in childhood, her musical journey in college and with the Houston Chamber Choir, and her other talents offstage!! Ryan has been a member of the Houston Chamber Choir since 2011 and has arranged several performance pieces for our ensemble. Watch or listen to the episode and find out Grass' musical influences with his curated Spotify playlist!
In this episode, we welcome our Choral Conducting Intern, Emily Jenkins! She is in her second season with the Houston Chamber Choir and just began her second year of doctoral studies at the University of Houston, studying with Dr. Betsy Cook Weber and Dr. Jeb Mueller. She has conducted several pieces for the Houston Chamber Choir and was the featured conductor for the 21st Annual Hear the Future Invitational Choral Festival in January 2020.
“My Lord Has Come” was performed by the Houston Chamber Choir at their 2017-2018 season's “Christmas at the Villa” concert and is featured in the album “Behold the Star!” released in 2018. My Lord Has Come Will Todd (b. 1970) Shepherds, called by angels, called by love and angels; no place for them but a stable. My Lord has come. Sages, searching for stars, searching for love in heaven; no place for them but a stable. My Lord has come. His love will hold me, his love will cherish me, love will cradle me. Lead me to see him, sages and shepherds and angels; no place for me but a stable. My Lord has come.
“Glory, Glory, Glory to the Newborn King” was performed by tenor L. Wayne Ashley and the Houston Chamber Choir at their 2018-2019 season's “Christmas at the Villa” concert and is featured in the album “Behold the Star!” released in 2018. Glory, Glory, Glory to the Newborn King Traditional Spiritual arr. Moses Hogan (1957-2003) What will we call that pretty little baby? Baby born in Bethlehem. What will we call that pretty little baby? Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Where was He born, this pretty little baby? Down in a lowly manger. Where His birth was in a stable. Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Born this night, the Son of Mary. Hail the heav'n-born Prince of peace. Glory to the newborn King. Glory, glory, glory to the newborn King. Go and tell it on the mountain, Lord, over the hills and ev'rywhere. Why don't you go tell it on the mountain, Lord, that Jesus Christ is born. We're singing, All praise to the newborn King, Hail, the newborn King, Glory, glory, glory to the newborn King.
Jeff Grass chats with arts and culture expert St. John Flynn on his professional musical journey with the Paragon Brass Ensemble, establishing himself as a photographer, and his longtime friendship with the Houston Chamber Choir! Watch or listen to the episode and find out Grass' musical influences with his curated Spotify playlist!
“Thou Shalt Know Him” was performed by the Houston Chamber Choir at their 2017-2018 season's “Christmas at the Villa” concert and is featured in the album “Behold the Star!” released in 2018. Thou Shalt Know Him Mark Sirett (b. 1952) Thou shalt know him when he comes, Not by any din of drums, Nor his manners, nor his airs, Nor by anything he wears. Thou shalt know him when he comes, Not by his crown or by his gown, But his coming known shall be, by the holy harmony which his coming makes in thee. Thou shalt know him when he comes. Amen.
Join arts and culture expert St. John Flynn and composer Stacey Franklin. Franklin has been singing with the Houston Chamber Choir since 2011 and featured in a number of solo performances. Additionally, she's an active harpist and a member of Six of One, a Houston-based all-female a cappella group. Watch or listen to the episode and find out Franklin's musical influences with his curated Spotify playlist!
“I Saw a Maiden” was performed by the Houston Chamber Choir at their 2016-2017 season's “Christmas at the Villa” concert and is featured in the album Behold the Star! released in 2018. I Saw a Maiden Basque Noël, 15th century arr. Edgar Pettman (1866-1943) I saw a maiden sitten and sing: She lulled a child, a sweete Lording. Lullay, lullay, my dear son, my sweeting. Lullay, lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling. This very Lord he made alle thing: Of lordes the Lord, of kinges the King. Lullay, lullay, my dear son, my sweeting. Lullay, lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling. There was mickle melody at that childes birth: And all in heaven's bliss, they made mickle mirth. Lullay, lullay, my dear son, my sweeting. Lullay, lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling. Angels sang that night and saiden to that child: Now blest be thou and she, both meek and mild. Lullay, lullay, my dear son, my sweeting. Lullay, lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling. Pray we to that child and to His mother dear, His blessing to them that maken now cheer. Lullay, lullay, my dear son, my sweeting. Lullay, lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling.
Join arts and culture expert St. John Flynn and composer Daniel J. Knaggs. We have performed Daniel's compositions on many occasions, the most recent was at our "By Local" concert last season. Tune in to listen about his exciting musical journey, how he developed a friendship with the Houston Chamber Choir, his venture into music composition while at college, and his passion for teaching. Watch or listen to the episode and find out Daniel's musical influences with his curated Spotify playlist!
Arts and culture expert St. John Flynn chats with Mrs. Wescott about her time as a reporter for LIFE Magazine, covering the Kennedy's and the invasion of The Beatles on American soil in the 1960s. Mrs. Wescott also shares with us stories of her early musical journey as an alto for the elite Smith College Chamber Singers, and her special bond with the Houston Chamber Choir. Watch or listen to the episode and find out Mrs. Wescott's musical influences with her curated Spotify playlist!
Join arts and culture expert St. John Flynn and composer Daniel J. Knaggs. We have performed Daniel's compositions on many occasions, the most recent was at our "By Local" concert last season. Tune in to listen about his exciting musical journey, how he developed a friendship with the Houston Chamber Choir, his venture into music composition while at college, and his passion for teaching. Watch or listen to the episode and find out Daniel's musical influences with his curated Spotify playlist!
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with Houston Boychoir's Artistic Director Carole Nelson and Preparatory Choir Director Holly Holt Cabrera on how the organization has established a standard of choral excellence for nearly 60 years and recent tactics for replicating the in person choir experience in our new virtual age.
In the inaugural episode of Ghost Echoes, a suffragette reinvents a bawdy theatre, a professor locks his students in a classroom to see what happens, and a piece of avant-garde music with clearly delineated rules inspires a music history podcast with secret rules. Music and Sound Notes: - The music that starts this episode and recurs later is "Paragraph 7" of Cornelius Cardew & The Scratch Orchestra's The Great Learning. The full piece is a huge work in many parts (“paragraphs”), but this record contains only paragraphs two and seven. - The Emma Cons section features the first movement from Haydn's String Quartet Op. 54, No. 1 performed by Marlburo Music (in the section about the Old Vic) and the March from Holst's Second Suite for Military Band performed by the USAF Heritage of America Band (in the section about Morley College). Also, there's a quick snippet of “Mars” from Holst's The Planets, plus cameos from Graham Chapman and John Cleese in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Fawlty Towers, respectively. - The strident bit of noise that repeats for comedic effect is not straightforwardly by Cardew—it is an extract from AMMMusic, the debut record by the free improvisation group AMM, of which Cardew was a member. - The section about Cardew's classes at Morley College contains cameo appearances by John Cage's Variations I as recorded by the Motion Ensemble, and Morton Feldman's Rothko Chapel from the Houston Chamber Choir's 2016 recording. (Cardew's students probably didn't actually perform Rothko Chapel, but they did study music by Feldman and this is a representative example.) -Later, there's a brief incursion of Karlheinz Stockhausen's Gruppen, performed by the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln with three conductors: Bruno Maderna, Michael Gielen and Stockhausen himself (it's a very complicated piece).