Choral - Finland

Review: Songs and stories of war and peace are probably second in quantity only to songs of love. In planning this recording we have tried to find stories of war and peace that resonate profoundly with listeners and that might help us understand the countless loss of innocent soldiers' and civilians' lives throughout history. We offer this recording in honour of the soldiers by telling their stories and acknowledging their sacrifice for the rest of us. All of the Amabile Boys and Men's Choirs are represented on this recording from our youngest Treble Training Choir who combine with our Treble Concert Choir, to our Young Men and our senior choir, Primus, who sing together as the Amabile Young Men's Ensemble.

Songlist: Soldier's Cry, Waitin for the Dawn Of Peace, The Morning Trumpet, The Lord's My Shepherd, Even When God Is Silent, Amazing Grace, Oseh Shalom, Peace Drum Song, Prayer of the Children, When A Child Lights A Candle, I Am But A Small Voice, Varjele Jumala Soasta, In Flanders Fields, For The Fallen, Reconciliation, In Remembrance, Ave Maris Stella, Libertatum, The Last Post

Review: 'New Horizons' is the 3rd excellent CD by London, Ontario's Amabile Boys Choirs, which currently enrolls 100 boys. Beginning choristers sing in Da Capo, the children's choir, advanced trebles in the Treble Concert Choir, and boys with changed voices in the Tenor/Bass Ensemble. 24 sacred and secular songs, from J. Scott Brubacher's 'Psalm 91,' written for Amabile,and Pavel Chesnokov's 'Spaseniye sodelal' to Robert Shaw & Alice Parker's arrangement of 'What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor' and 'The Chemical Worker's Song.' R. Thompson's dramatic 'The Last Words of David,' Steven Hatfield's rousing spiritual 'Heaven Somewhere,' Alexander Tilley's poignant 'In Flanders Fields,' the Newfoundland folk song 'A Great Big Sea,' Michael McGlynn's 'Dulaman,' Richard Wagner's 'Pilgrim's Chorus,' Mia Makaroff's lilting 'Mita Kaikatat, Kivonen,' the Scottish Folk Song 'O My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose,' Stephen Sondheim's bluenote 'Send in the Clowns,' and Bach's 'Aria' (from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major'- these are wonderful selections, sung with Amabile's trademark bright, clean, spirited harmonies. There is accompaniment on some cuts. It adds up to another generous winner from one of Canada's finest boy's choirs.

Songlist: Exsultate Justi, Psalm 91, We Will Sing for Joy, Spaseniye sodelal, The last Words of David, Heaven Somewhere, The Stars are With the Voyager, In Flanders Fields, Crossing the Bar, The Chemical Workers' Song, A Great Big Sea, Horizons, Loch Lomond, What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor, Dulaman, Manx Lullaby, Mita kaikatat, Kivonen?, Pilgrims' Chorus, She is My Slender Small love, O My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose, Look to the Rainbow, Send in the Clowns, M.L.K., Aria

Review: The debut recording of the Primus Amabile Men's Ensemble, a group of 25 senior singers, many of whom have sung with the Amabile Boys Choirs since its inception in 1990. Inner Fire portrays messages or remembrance, thanksgiving and hope, and is a personal accomplishment for each of the 25 young men who comprise the Primus Men's Ensemble. It is, in a sense, a trophy after many years of hard and dedicated work, and represents the culmination of almost two decades of singing and growing up together

Songlist: Lux Arumique, Non Nobis, Domine, Ave Dulcissima Maria, Got Ist Mein Hirt, Ave Maria, Steal Away/Nobody Knows, O Vos Omnes, Sing Me To Heaven, The Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood, Nukapianguaq, A Celtic Triptych, Carrikfergus, Soldier's Cry, Ramkali, Ne Sedi, Djemo, Esti Dal

Review: Composer's Notes: The first pieces I wrote for the Amabile Youth Singers, beautifully conducted by John Barron, were the cornerstone of my career. People often ask why they can't get those early classics on one CD. Now you can. Here in one collection are the legendary performances of 'Nukapianguaq', 'African Celebration', 'Heaven Bound Train', 'Missa Brevis', 'The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy', and more from those astonishing early sessions in 1991-95. Spanning fifteen years of recordings, the CD also features the choir under my direction in superb live performances of new material such as 'Geordie' and 'The Sparks Fly Upward', plus gorgeous concert versions of 'Once I Had A Sweetheart' and the 2nd movement of 'Three Ways To Vaccum Your House'. I am especially delighted that the CD includes several beloved performances that have never been commercially available before, such as the ferocious live version of 'TJAK!', the first, unreleased recording of 'La Lluvia' which remains my favourite version of the piece, and a radiant, mystical 'Amazing Grace', performed here with oboe instead of bagpipes.

Songlist: Heaven Bound Train, African Celebration, Amazing Grace, Nukapianguaq, La Lluvia, Geordie, The Sparks Fly Upward, Apple Tree Wassail, TJAK!, Missa Brevis-Kyrie, Missa Brevis-Gloria, Missa Brevis-Sanctus, Missa Brevis-Agnus Dei, Carol of the Ladder, J'ai vu le loup, Three Ways to Vaccuum Your House (II), Go Where I Send Thee, Once I Had a Sweetheart, The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy

Review: London, Ontario, Canada boasts seven children's choirs, and the Youth Singers, founded in 1985, is an auditioned choir of 50 young women ages 12 to 24. John Barron directs this sweet-singing choir in the music of Canadian composter Stephen Hatfield, who were the first choir to commission him, and their early recordings of his work were very important in establishing his reputation. There are 25 cuts here, favorites are 'Uberlebensgross,' the title tune,'O-Yo-Yo,' 'Let Me Ask You,' the rhythmic 'O Sapo,' the haunting 'A Maid That's Deep In Love' and 'Dwa Serduszka.' Cuts 13 to 25 are Hatfield's sublime 'Christmas Cantata.' There's considerable non-vocal percussion, and some flute, bass and acoustic guitar and handbells on the album. The beautiful, soaring blended voices are perfect for Hatfield's excellent compositions. A very special collection by one of the best youth choirs in the world.

Songlist: Uberlebensgross, For Elizabeth: Gold, Frank Innocence And Mirth, Take A Step, Family Tree, O -Yo - Yo, Let Me Ask You, Set, O Sapo, A Maid That's Deep In Love, Las Amarillas, Dwa Serduszka, Double Lotus, Christmas Cantata - When The Night Is Sweet With Starlight

Review: Since its founding in 1985, the Amabile Youth Singers of London, Canada has developed the musical talents of hundreds of young singers. This auditioned ensemble features 65 young women ages 12 to 21. No strangers to competitions, founding directors John Barron and Brenda Zadorsky have led them to wins in 11 national and 4 international competitions. 'Garden' is a lightly-accompanied, varied collection of 20 songs-some favorites are E. Elgar's 'The Snow,' J. Brahms' 'Lullaby,' Handel's 'No, divoi non vo fidarmi,' D. Gawthrop's 'Mary Speaks,' E. Daley's lovely 'Each Child,' R. Thompson's 'Choose Something Like a Star,' A. Bevan's 'Ave Maria,' C. Ives' 'Serenity,' R. Thompson's 'A Girl's Garden,' J. Mantyjarvi's surprising, eclectic 'Pseudo-Yoik Lite' the joyous, soaring 'Paruparong Bukid' and Harold Arlen's 'Over the Rainbow.' Some of these pieces are dissonant and difficult to perform, but these young women make it sound easy. If you'd like a tasty feast of tunes by one of the best young women's ensembles on the planet, the aptly-named 'Garden of Delights' is for you!

Songlist: The Snow - Elgar, Song Of The Angels - Sirett, Lullaby - Brahms, No Di Voi Non Vo Fidarmi - Handel, I Thank You God - Walker, Mi'Kmaq Honour Song - Adams, Mary Speaks - Gawthrop, Each Child - Daley, Choose Something Like A Star - Thompson, Noel Des Enfants Qui Non Plus Des Maisons - Debussy, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, Ave Maria - Bevan, Serenity - Ives, Cloths Of Heaven - Daley, A Girl's Garden - Thompson, Poi E, Pseudo-Yoik Lite, Paruparong Bukid, Over The Rainbow, Praise His Holy Name - Hampton

Review: Award-winning conductor Stephen Hatfield's London, Canada-based Amabile Boys Choirs have entertained audiences throughout Canada, the US, Europe and Australia, receiving numerous awards including 10 first places at the prestigious CBC Choral Competition. The ABC's refreshingly varied song selection and clean, spirited harmonies are in ample evidence on 'All Good People,' beginning from the first exuberant cut, the Reggae tune 'Don't Bend Down.' 18 other gems follow: the 4-part 'Missa Brevis,' the Japanese work song 'Ohisashi buri' (It's been a long time), the spiritual 'Ezekiel Saw The Wheel,' the lovely 'When The Stars Fall,' the salsa-flavored 'Son de Camaguey,' the raucous sea shanty 'All For Me Grog,' the heart-tugging 'All Too Soon,' 'Double Shot,' the spirited 'Jesus Met the Woman at the Well,' and the South African tune 'Dubula.' Each song surprises us with the energy and joy of singing of these talented boys. We have heard some of these songs before, but Amabile makes each one their own, the definitive version. 'All Good People' is a treat, and winning CD #4 for Amabile!

Songlist: Don't Bend Down, Missa Brevis-, -Kyrie, -Sanctus, -Gloria, Agnus Dei , Ohisashi Buri, Ezekiel Saw The Wheel, Un Flambeau, Jeannette Isabelle, When The Stars Fall, Ka hia manu, Elibama, Son de Camaguey, All For Me Grog, All Too Soon, Double Shot (Honey in the Rock), Jesus Met The Woman At The Well, Living In A Holy City, Dubula, God-Bless Wassail

Review: Composer's Notes: The title for this CD refers to the fact that it opens and closes with all 300 members of the Amabile family singing and dancing in killer versions of 'Oolichan' and 'Dubula'. These live performances, which I conducted, show all the Amabile choirs at their most fiery and confident, and include several massed choir selections that give an extra richness to the sound. The massed Amabile trebles give stunning performances of 'Ahe Lau Makani', 'Ain't That News' and 'Acceptance Speech'. The Amabile men are at their Olympian peak with 'Heaven Somewhere' and 'O Yo Yo'. 'Living In A Holy City' and 'All For Me Grog' are sung as only 300 voices can sing them, while the younger choirs in the Amabile family give stand-out versions of 'Two Minutes Before Sleep', 'Foggy Birthday Shuffle', 'Set' and the previously unavailable 'Three-Part Conniption'. In addition to the fourteen live performances that capture the singers at their high-flying best, the CD includes three treasures from the studio: the Amabile men tear up the speakers with their show-stopping TTBB version of 'Nukapianguaq' ; the Chamber Choir gives their definitive performance of 'Hard Shoulder', one of my best pieces ; and the Junior Amabile Singers serve up one of the rarest of Hatfield recordings, the reggae-soaked 'No Rock'. Fans of Amabile and Hatfield will not be disappointed in this collection of treasures from the archives.

Songlist: Oolichan, Ahe Lau Makani, O Yo Yo, Two Minutes Before Sleep, Foggy Birthday Shuffle, Set, No Rock, Ka Hia Manu, Three- part Conniption, Ain't That News, Acceptance Speech, Nukapianguaq, All for Me Grog, Living in a Holy City, Hard Shoulder, Heaven Somewhere, Dubula

Review: The young women of the Junior Amabile Singers, one of 7 choirs in the Amabile Choirs of London, Canada, are joined in this exploration of the hopes, desires and human experiences of today's young women by the Amabile Da Capo Choir, a training choir for the JAS. Artistic directors Jacquelyn Norman and Wendy Gee conduct them in this rich collection of 23 lightly accompanied songs. Favorites are the title tune, whose lyrics are from the nursery rhyme, 'Ride a cock horse to Banbury cross,' Darla Eshelman's 'A Song from the Heart,' Z. Randall Stroope's 'The Poet Sings,' Bob Chilcott's 'The Lily and the Rose,' Ed Robertson's 'Sing a Song,' Eugene Butler's 'Music is My Life,' Ruth Morris Gray's lilting, humorous 'No Thank You, John,' Ella Fitzgerald's 'A-Tisket, A-Tasket,' the Gershwins' 'Someone to Watch Over Me,' Billy Joel's 'Lullabye' and Smokey Robinson's 'My Guy.' This is a poised, confident collection by one of the finest young women's ensembles in the world, beautiful, entertaining and moving.

Songlist: She Shall Have Music, To Be Young, A Song From The Heart, Think On Me, The Poet Sings, Dirait-On, The Lily And The Rose, Come To Me O My Love , Sing A Song, One Song, Just A Single Voice , Music Is My Life, He's Gone Away , Banks Of Doon, No Thank You John, Joan Of Arc, Give Us Hope , A-Tisket A-Tasket , Someone To Watch Over Me, Lullaby, Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend, My Guy, Ma (He's Making Eyes At Me)

Review: The Amabile (Ah MAH bee lay) Singers, based in London, Ontario, Canada is an auditioned choir of 50 young women, ages 12 to 23 years. It exists to give its members musical experiences of the highest caliber and to develop musical talents. Its repertoire ranges from Medieval to Broadway. Amabile rose quickly to national and international prominence with competition wins at the CBC Biennial Choral Competition, International Choral Competition, and many others. They have toured Europe several times and performed at Carnegie Hall. The music of Canadian composer Stephen Hatfield is surprising and wonderful, and it has never sounded better. 17 songs, the energetic spiritual 'Run Children Run,' the dramatic 'Vus Vet Zayn,' the lovely 'Camino Caminante,' the powerful 3-part a cappella gem, 'Three Ways to Vacuum Your House,' the sweet, plaintive 'Queen Jane,' the haunting 'When It Was Dark,' the plaintive 'Once I Had a Sweetheart,' the finger-snapping 'Sweet Tooth,' 'Crimson, Ivory and Aquamarine' and 'La Lluvia' (with percussion by Hatfield and others), the short, harmonic 'Old Fox Wassail,' the complex, dramatic, accompanied 'Ya Faraoule' and the rhythmic, primitive 'TJAK!' are favorites. This is edgy, interesting, entertaining stuff that definitely pushes the Choral envelope.

Songlist: Run Children, Run, Vus Vet Zayn, Ower the Hills, Camino Caminante, Three Ways to Vacuum Your House, Queen Jane, When It Was Yet Dark, Once I Had a Sweetheart, Odi Odi, Sweet Tooth, Crimson, Ivory and Aquamarine, La Lluvia, Old Fox Wassail, Ya Faraoule, TJAK!

Review: The ACC is is a mixed-voice ensemble of 50 senior members of the seven London, Ontario, Canada children's choirs. 24 beautiful pieces, including Bob Chilcott's 'Dona Nobis Pacem,' versions I-IV, a pair of 'O Magnum Mysteriums,' one by Lauridsen and one by Thomas Luis de Victoria., Eleanor Daley's 'Gloria in Excelsis Deo' and 'My Master from a Garden Rose,' and three with guest soloist Denise Pelley, 'The Rain is Over and Gone,' 'Worthy to Be Praised' and 'I Go to the Rock.' Secular tunes 'Flanders Fields,' 'The Banks of the Don,' 'Song of the Breton Fishermen,' 'Un Canadian errant' and Billy Joel's 'And So It Goes' are also very special. Some piano accompaniment. We enjoyed every cut of this beautifully crafted collection from talented Amabile!

Songlist: Dona Nobis Pacem I , O Magnum Mysterium, Dona Nobis Pacem II , My Master From A Garden Rose, Flanders Fields, Le Temps De Vivre , Dona Nobis Pacem III , El Hambo, Rattle On The Stovepipe, iod Mar Chaidh an Cal a Dholaidh, The Banks On The Don, Song Of The Breton Fishermen, Un Canadien Errant, Dona Nobis Pacem IV, O Magnum Mysterium, Sing Me To Heaven , Sing Lullaby, Gloria In Exelcis Deo, Precious Lord, The Rain Is Over And Gone, Worthy To Be Praised , And So It Goes, Dona Nobis Pacem V

Review: The 4 choirs of the Bach Children's Chorus (BCC) have earned acclaim throughout greater Toronto for their beautiful, musical sound and professionalism. Totally approximately 200 children and youth, the BCC choirs are Choir I (ages 6-9), Choir 2 (ages 8-13), Choir III (treble singers ages 10-16) and Bach Chamber Youth Choir (boys with changed voices and girls 16-23). 23 songs, about half composed or arranged by Canadian composers. Particularly nice secular songs are the Quebecois folk songs 'Canadian Boat Song' and 'Un Canadien Errant,' the Nova Scotia folk song 'The Blackbird,' James Gordon's 'Frobisher Bay,' Michael Unger's 'Sea Song, the Cuban folk song 'Son de Camaguey,' Carolyn Jennings' 'Panda,' and the Venezuelan folk song 'El Barquito.' Favorite religious songs are 4 by Eleanor Daley, 'The Cloths of Heaven,' 'O Be Joyful in the Lord,' 'My Master from a Garden Rose' and 'The Angels Will Guide You Home,' Z. Randall Stroope's 'Lux Aeterna,' Christopher Brown's 'There is no rose of such virtue' and the final cut, 'Hope for Resolution.' The bright, clear sound of these childrens' voices makes 'Go Where You Will' a special, moving CD. Accompaniment and percussion on some songs. Beautiful and extensive liner notes.

Songlist: Canadian Boat song, The Cloths of Heaven , O Be Joyful in the Lord , Lux Aeterna , There is no rose of such virtue , Come, Colours Rise , The Blackbird, Frobisher Bay, Sea Song (Michael Unger), Son de Camaguey, A Celtic Prater , My Master from a Garden Rose, Lift Up Your Voice! , Un Canadien Errant , Spring is singing in the garden , Panda , The Butterfly and the Shadow , The Angels Will Guide You Home , El Barquito, The Garden Song , Like a Rainbow , Hope for Resolution

Review: We have always loved Toronto's Bach Children's Chorus, founded in 1987 and comprised of 185 singers aged 6 and up in four choirs. Conductor Linda Beaupre directs these wonderfully trained choirs in 21 tunes in 'Land of Tomorrow,' all accompanied by light piano and sometimes percussion. Some favorites are 'Psalm 100,' 'The Little Sandman,' 'Skylark and Nightingale,' 'Somewhere a Child is Singing,' 'Ballerine du Vent,' 'The Grey Donkey,' 'Give Ear Unto Me' and 'Niska Banja' by Choir III, 'Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild' by Choir II, 'Hark the Tiny Cowslip Bell' by Choir I, 'Blessing' by the Bach Chamber Youth Choir and 'Song for Canada' by All Choirs. These sweet, innocent voices are a joy to listen to on every well-chosen, finely-crafted cut. Treat yourself to 'Land of Tomorrow' by one of Canada's finest children's choruses! PS, the extensive liner notes have all the lyrics and some great photos.

Songlist: Psalm 100, The Little Sandman, Yo le Canto Todo el Dia, Skylark and Nightingale, Cantate Domino, Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild, Hark the Tiny Cowslip Bell, Sing a Song, Come, Let Us All This Day, Dirait-On, Somewhere A Child Is Singing, I Waited For The Lord, Ballerine du Vent, The Grey Donkey, O Rest In The Lord, Give Ear Unto Me, Niska Banja, A Croon, Laus Deo, Blessing, Song For Canada

Review: Toronto's BCC, 200 talented singers ages 6 and up, are divided into 4 choirs and have become a beloved part of Toronto's musical culture. The Christmas CD 'Outside' is the BCC's second, their first being the lovely 'Go Where You Will.' This is a joyous CD, the high, sweet voices of the children are perfect for traditional carols such as 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,' 'O Holy Night,' 'Ding Dong! Merrily on High,' and 'Echo Carol,' a pair by John Rutter, 'The Angels' Carol' and 'Carol of the Children,' and many by Canadian composers we haven't heard, Eleanor Daley's 'What Sweeter Music,' Mark Sirett's 'Sunny Bank,' Edith Harrhy's 'Ring, Bells, Ring,' W.H. Anderson's 'Long, Long Ago,' Alexander Tilley's 'When Christ Was Born,' Heather Barnes' 'Torches!' and others. 24 songs, all lightly accompanied. A lovely gift from one of Canada's finest children's choirs.

Songlist: A King Is Born, What Sweeter Music, Sunny Bank, The Angels' Carol, Echo Carol, Go Where I Send Thee, Carol Of The Children, Pat -A- Pan, Ring Bells, Ring, Long, Long Ago, Were You There, When Christ Was Born, S'Vivon / Candle Lullaby, Ding - Dong - Doh!, El Cant Dels Ocels, This Little Babe, Winds Through The Olive Trees, Torches!, Song Of The Innkeeper's Children, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, O Holy Night, This Joy, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Sleigh Ride

Review: Founder and Conductor Elaine Quilichini's excellent Calgary Girls Chorus-Viva, for singers in grades two to six, present their debut CD of 21 songs, and it's touching and impressive from the first tune, the title tune by Timothy Strang. Spiritual music like 'Once in Royal David's City,' 'I See the Love of God in Every River' by David Ouchterlony, Handel's 'Dear Lord and Savior' and 'Hand me down my silver trumpet;' upbeat songs like 'Welcome Carol,' 'The Song of the Music Makers,' 'We Will Sing for Joy,' Eric Thiman's 'The Skylark,' Thomas Dunhill's 'April's a Lovely Lady' and Franz Schubert's 'The Trout;' children's music like 'The Owl and the Pussycat,' 'Badgers and Hedgehogs' and 'Hey Diddle Diddle,' and folk tunes like 'Marie's Wedding, 'The Bonny Blue-Eyed Sailor' and 'The Man from Okerboker' all contribute to this feel-good, enjoyable collection.

Songlist: A Question To A Child's Question, Welcome Carol, Winds Through The Olive Trees, Oce In Royal David's City, I See The Lovee Of God In Every River, Dear Lord And Savior, The Dream Seller, The Song Of The Music Makers, We Will Sing For Joy, Arcady, The Skylark, April's A Lovely Lady, The Trout (Die Forelle), Marie's Wedding, The Owl And The Pussycat, The Bonnie Blue Eyed Sailor, Badgers And HedgeHogs, Hey Diddle Diddle, The Man From Okerboker, Hand Me Down My Siler Trumpet, Cool Under Fire

Review: Elaine Quilichini directs the elite 'Brava,' finest of 5 performing choirs within the CGC, in this dramatically beautiful Christmas collection, accompanied by pianos, percussion, violin and cello. This CD was recorded in 2003, after which the Choir performed in the Choral Peace Concert at Carnegie Hall in NYC. 23 songs, beginning with 7 by Salvator Mundi 'Make We Merry,' 'Mirabile Mysterium,' 'Be we Merry in this Feast,' 'Lullay,' 'Susani,' 'Christie, Redemptor Omnium,' and the lively, joyous 'Welcome Yule.' Other favorites are 'Mary's Cradle Song,' El Cant des Ocells,' the French songs 'Venez, divin Messie,' 'Il est ne, le divin enfant,' 'Dans cette etable' and 'On ne creaint plus dans l'univers,' 'The Holly and The Ivy,' 'A Carol of Peace,' 'Bashana Habah'ah' and 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.' A sweet, memorable collection that will fill you and yours with joy and Christmas spirit! Complete lyrics on the nice liner notes.

Songlist: Make We merry, Mirabile Mysterium, Be we Merry in this Feast, Lullaby, Susanni, Christe, Redemptor Omnium, Welcome, Yule, Ave maria, Mary's Cradle Song, Canco a la Verge, El Cant des Ocells, Lullaby, Venez, divin Messie, Il est ne le divin Enfant, Dans cette etable, On ne craint plus dans lunivers, In Dulci Jubilo, The Holly and The Ivy, Away in a Manger, A Carol of Peace, Bashana Habah'ah, Blessing, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Review: The Calgary Girls Choir presents a unique musical gift to its audiences everywhere. Recorded by Brava, the main performing, recording and touring ensemble of the Calgary Girls Choir, Christmas Creche is the first of many promising accomplishments by these talented singers.

Songlist: Je Ne L'O Se Dire , Come Let Us All This Day , Schafe Konnen Sicher Weiden , Jesu Meme Freude, The Lord Is My Shepherd , Guten Abend , Velvet Shoes , A Litany , Os Justi , Rise Up My Love , And God Shall Wipe Away All Tears , Angels Are Everywhere , The Blooming Bright Star Of Belle Isle , She's Like The Swallow , Shule Agra , The Drinaun Donn , Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye! , I Am In Love I Dare Not Own It , O Can Ye Sew Cushions? , Vem Kan Segla Forutan Vind? , Are You Sleeping, Brother John? , Niska Banja, Old Macdoodle Had A Band, Feel Good , When I Sing

Review: The award-winning Calgary Girls Choir, formed of students attending the Canadian Choral Music School and members of the Calgary community, includes girls and young women from 5 to 19 years old. 'Collection' is a lively group of 25 songs, from the masters (Bach's 'Come Let Us All This Day,' 'Schafe Konnen Sicher Weiden' and 'Jesu Meine Freude;' Schubert's 'The Lord Is My Shepherd' and Brahms' 'Guten Abend'), and contemporary composers (Randall Thompson's 'Velvet Shoes,' Eleanor Daley's 'Os Justi' and 'Rise Up My Love,' and Daniel Pinkham's 'Angels are Everywhere') to folk tunes (Canadian folksong 'She's Like the Swallow,' 'The Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle,' the Irish folktunes 'Shule Agra' and 'Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye!', and the Appalachian folktune 'I Am In Love, I Dare Not Own It'), gospel ('Feel Good') and even jazz ('When I Sing'). A lovely, mostly lightly accompanied Collection by the spirited, talented CGC.

Songlist: Je Ne L'O Se Dire, Come Let Us All This Day, Schafe Konnen, Jesu Meine Freude, The Lord Is My Shepherd, Guten Abend, Velvet Shoes, A litany, Os Justi, Rise Up my Love, And God Shall Wipe Away All Tears, Angels Are Everywhere, The Blooming Bright Star Of Belle Isle, She's Like The Swallow / Three Irish Songs, Shule Agra, The Drinaun Donn, Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye!, I Am In Love, I Dare Not Own It, O can Ye Sew Cushions?, Vem Kan Segla Forutan Vind?, Are You Sleeping, Brother John?, Niska banja, Old MacDoodle Had A Band, Feel Good, When I Sing

Review: Conductor Elaine Quilichini leads her talented singers in a lightly accompanied, spirited Christmas collection. The selection of 20 songs begins with the 8-parts of Derek Holman's eclectic masterpiece, 'Sir Christemas,' and continues in the same vein with David Willcocks' dissonant 'Psalm 150,' Eric Thiman's dreamy 'Spindrift,' a pair by Bach, 'Wir eilen mit schwachen' and 'Domine Deus,' a moody pair by Imant Raminsh, 'Psalm 23' and 'Vestigia,' and the moving 'Bashana Habah'ah' by Nurit Hirsh. A lovely, very different Christmas collection by one of Canada's great girls choirs!

Songlist: ir Christemas, Psalm 150, Spindrift, The Green Bushes, The Blackbird, Domine Deus, Wir Eilen Mit Schwachen, If Ye Love Me, Psalm 23, Vestigia, Bashana Habah'ah, MAry's Cradle Song, On Christmas Morn

Review: Artistic Director Elaine Quilichini founded the Calgary Girls Choir in 1995, an award-winning community choir known for its outstanding performance of a wide variety of musical styles and challenging repertoire. The Choir offers five programs for girls and young women, of which two, 'Allegra,' a preparatory choir for girls ages 6 to 11 years, and 'Brava,' winner of many provincial and national music awards. 15 Christmas songs, all accompanied by light piano, beginning with the title cut, a medley of the '7 Joys,' including 'This Is The Truth,' 'Din, Don! Merrily on High,' 'Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine,' 'Patapan,' 'Fum, fum, fum!' and others; Schubert's 'Ave Maria,' 'Once In Royal David's City,' the Czech folksong 'Zither Carol,' 'Al Shlosha D'Varim,' the lovely 'Candles, Candles,' 'The Carol of the Rose,' 'Apple-Tree Wassail,' and standard carols 'Fa La, La, La, La' and 'Silent Night,' 'A Celtic Blessing' and others. A lovely Christmas winner from one of Canada's most talented and beloved children's choirs. 

Songlist: The Joy of Love: This is the truth, The Joy of Bells: Din don! merrily on high, The Joy of Mary: Joseph dearest, Joseph mine, The Joy of Children: Patapan, The Joy of the New Year: New Year Song, The Joy of Dance: Fum, fum, fum, The Joy of Song: God bless the master of this house, Ave Maria, The little road to Bethlehem, Once in Royal David's City, The Little Jesus Came to Town, Zither Carol, Candles, Candles, Al Shlosha D'Varim, The Carol of the Rose, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, Carols of French Canada, Apple-Tree Wassail, Fa, la, La, La, La, Silent Night, A Celtic Blessing

Review: Chor Greek for choir, Leoni, (Italian for Lions) was formed in 1992 by director Diane Loomer to give skilled male singers an opportunity to gather and sing challenging repertoire. Quality a cappella singing, strong arrangements and a willingness to 'try anything once' have led these 46 men to the upper echelons of the Canadian choral world. This CD is a treat for us fans of folk music, 20 better- and lesser-known Canadian folk songs, from 'Fogarty's Cove' ('She cries when I'm away to sea, nags me when I'm with her, She'd rather I'd a government job or maybe go on the dole'), 'Vive L'Amour,' and 'Away From The Roll of the Sea' to the Nova Scotia folk song 'The Carrion Crow,' 'Northwest Passage,' 'Wood River,' the British Columbia tune 'Grand Hotel' and 'Make and Break Harbor,' this is all great stuff. Some light accompaniment here and there by piano, clarinet, bass, harmonica, guitar and spoons, but make no mistake - the focus is one of the best male choruses we've heard, and folk music is their meat. From the deep bass harmonies to sweet, soaring tenor solos, 'Safari' is cut after cut of achingly lovely, heartstrings-tugging stuff!

Songlist: Fogarty's Cove, The Water Is Wide, Veve L'Amour, Away From the Roll of the Sea, Ave Maris Stella, Chi Mi Na Mor Bheanna, Song For the Mira, She's Like a Swallow, Red River Valley, The Carrion Crow, Potlach Fair, Northwest Passage, Four Strong Winds, Dondaine La Ridaine, Wood River, Oh Mary, Come Home, Grand Hotel, Drunken Sailor, Barrett's Privateers, Make and Break Harbour

Review: This renamed and repackaged version of Chor Leoni's first Christmas recording (Magnificat) presents three substantial and endearing seasonal works. The sunny Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest by Conrad Susa derives from the folk music of Hispanic America, and sets the Holy birth in the context of a Southwestern pinata party. Italian composer Ottorino Respighi was an early twentieth-century composer who looked to the past for inspiration and musical materials, e.g., in his well-known Ancient Airs and Dances. This tendency can also be heard in the Laud to the Nativity of Our Lord, Respighi's self-described 'personal Christmas card to the world.' The disc also includes the premiere recording of a Chor Leoni commission, Magnificat by Vancouver composer Rupert Lang. Using the unusual combination of mezzo-soprano soloist and male chorus, Lang seeks to express Mary's personal, human response to the formal biblical text, with wonderful results. Special guests for this recording include mezzo-soprano Mariateresa Magisano (winner of the 1998 Metropolitan Opera Auditions), soprano Lambroula Maria Pappas (winner of the 1999 Metropolitan Opera Auditions), and Elektra Women's Choir (four-time consecutive First Place winners in the CBC Competition).

Songlist: Oh, mi Belen!, El Desembre Congelat, Alegria, A la Nanita Nana, Las Posadas, Campana Sobre Campana, En Belen Tocan a Fuego, El Noi de la Mare, Chiquirriquitin, El Rorro, Lauda per la Nativita del Signore , Magnificat, Recitative, Mary's Song, Magnificat, Quia Fecit, Fecit Potentiam, Suscepit Israel, Gloria

Review: This fifth release from Vancouver's pride of lions features a mostly sacred and deeply moving program of works ranging from the 12th to the 20th centuries. Canadian baritone Bret Polegato guests on one of the few non-sacred pieces, Schubert's beautiful Stanchen for soloist and men's choir. Other highlights include 12th century organum by Perotin, Beata Viscera, excerpts from Caplet's Messe a trois voix, a beautiful and seamless performance of Faure's Cantique de Jean Racine transcribed for men's voices, and Michael Head's stunning How Sweet the Moonlight Sleeps.

Songlist: Duo Seraphim , Beata Viscera , Cantique de Jean Racine, Sanctus & Benedictus from Messe a trois voix, Agnus Dei from Messe a trois voix, Ubi Caritas, Magnificat, Repleti Sunt Omnes, Spaseniye sodelal, Die Nacht D983 c , Standchen , Kung Liljekonvalje , Traumlicht from Drei Mannerchor, How Sweet the Moonlight Sleeps

Review: Chor Leoni is well known for its Remembrance day concerts, and this latest addition to its CD catalogue is a compilation of works performed at its most recent November concerts. 'Is is dedicated to the citizens of all nationalities and faiths who have experienced loss and who deserve our compassion,' writes conductor Diane Loomer. The singing is sensitive and beautiful as always, and the selections range from classics such as Schubert's setting of Psalm 23 and Randall Thompson's Choose Something Like a Star to works written for Chor Leoni, including the premiere recording of Stephen Smith's moving Pensive on Her Dead Gazing. And just try to stay dry-eyed during Bring Him Home from Les Miserables!

Songlist: And Death Shall Have No Dominion, Beati Mortui, Christmas in the Trenches, Dulce et Decorum, O Vos Omnes, Dirge from Cymbeline, Tarantella , Psaume 121, Vechnaya Pamiat (from Panhida No. 2), Iltapilvia, Choose Something Like a Star (from Frostiana), Reconciliation, Furusato, Der 23, Psalm, Pensive on Her Dead Gazing, Bring Him Home (from Les Miserables)

Review: 'Goin' Home is Chor Leoni's sixth CD - each one we rave about, and each one is better than the last! Internationally acclaimed conductor Diane Loomer's flawless direction and song selection keep the Vancouver, BC-based all-male choir going in the right direction. As Canada is composed of citizens from every corner of the world, the object of 'Goin'' was to collect and present folk songs from many of these countries, in the hope that CL's audience would experience 'the bittersweet tightness in the throat and tear in the eye that only comes when you are goin' home.' 18 richly textured a cappella songs, beginning with 3 dramatic Ainu folk tunes, 'Bear Festival,' 'Piraka' and 'Whale Festival,' and continuing with 'Fenyang Ge' and 'Minoi, Minoi,' Anhui and Samoan folk songs, respectively. Following are the Lapp folk song, 'Dalvi duoddar luohti,' and one of the best covers of the Zulu tune 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' we've heard. German, English, Irish, Estonian, and Welsh folk songs delight the crowd (this is a live performance, although the audience is almost edited out). A couple of nice American songs, the Appalachian folk song 'Bright Morning Star' and 'Shenandoah,' precede the title tune by Antonin Dvorak, the Scottish tune 'Loch Lomond' and 'Christmas Angel.' Sweet harmonies and what we can only call 'personality' pour forth from CL like water from a Canadian stream. Recommended!

Songlist: Three Folk Songs, Bear Festival, Pirika, Pirika, Whale Festival, Fengyang Ge, Minoi, Minoi , Dalvi duoddar luohti , The Lion Sleeps Tonight , Jing-ga-lye-ah , Gaudeamus igitur, Drink to my only with thine eyes, Dulaman , Kolm mul oli kaunist sona , Suo Gan , Bright Morning Star , Shenandoah , Goin' Home , Loch Lomond , Christmas Angel