Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble

Since its inception, Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble has established a reputation for continually featuring a diverse range of new and rarely performed works, along with time-honored classics of choral literature. Formed in 1992 as a professional choral group by founding director Loren Pontén, Opus 7 specializes in 19th- through 21st-century a cappella choral music. As a resident ensemble of St. James Cathedral in Seattle, Washington since 1994, Opus 7 is firmly dedicated to performing the works of local and regional composers, regularly commissioning new choral compositions. In addition, since 2000 Opus 7 has fostered new talent in the field of choral music through their unique Student Choral Composition Awards Program.

Throughout its 15 years, Opus 7 has increasingly grown in stature through its internationally acclaimed CDs and in the past several years has been recognized as one of the nation's finest and most innovative choral ensembles. Opus 7's contribution to the expansion of the international choral repertoire and its tireless dedication to the commissioning and performance of new works has been recognized nationally by ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) and Chorus America. In June of 2006, Opus 7 received the prestigious Award for Adventurous Programming for the third consecutive time, having also won in 2002 and 2004. Opus 7 is honored to be the first in the history of this award to have won three consecutive awards.

Amongst other distinctions, Opus 7 has been privileged to host esteemed American choral conductor Dale Warland in 2001 as guest conductor for the opening concert of its 10th-Anniversary Season and again in May of 2005 for their "Cathedral Classics" concert. They have also hosted New Zealand's finest choral conductor Karen Grylls, Philharmonia Northwest's Roupen Shakarian, and Seattle choral legend Dr. Robert Scandrett. They have been a guest performing ensemble for the American Choral Directors Association and was featured at the American Guild of Organists National Conference in Seattle in 2000, performing with American choral legend Alice Parker.

From Captivity to the Holy City

Chichester Mass De profundis Long Since in Egypt's pleneous land Drop. drop slow tears Crux fidelis Fac me tecum 67 Psalm Veni, cretor spiritus And I saw a new heaven Coelos ascendit bodie God is gone up Hark, I hear the harps eternal

The disc, with selections drawn from texts for the Lenten and Easter seasons, describes the human experience as it moves from darkness to light, from enslavement to liberation, and from suffering to joy.  Included are works by Parry, Ives, Stanford, and Opus 7's composer-in-residence, John Muehleisen.

6821 CD $15.98

O Rising Dawn

Alleluya, a new work is come on hand (Peter Wishart) "Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming" (Hugo Distler) "This Flower whose fragrance tender" from Christmas Story Veni, veni Emmanuel (Zoltan Kodaly) The Glory of the Father (Egil Howland) "My Soul, There Is a Countrie" from Songs of Farewell (C. Hubert H. Parry) The Great "O" Antiphons (John Muehleisen) O Sapientia / O Wisdom O Adonai O Radix Jesse / O Root Jesse O Clavis Davis / O Key of David O Oriens / O Rising Dawn O Rex gentinum / O King of Nations O Emmanuel Magnificat, Op. 36 (Gerard Finzi) Dormi, fili care (Lajos Bardos) The Lamb (John Tavener) Sing Lullaby (Herbert Howells) Once in Royal David's City (arr. Bern Herbolsheimer) A Christmas Carol (Charles Ives) "Theme - 'A Boy was Born'" from A Boy Was Born (Benjamin Britten) All this Night (Gerald Finzi) Silent Night (arr. Alan Ridout)

Seattle-based, 24-strong, mixed vocal ensemble Opus 7 was formed by Loren Ponten in 1992 as a professional vocal ensemble specializing in 19th- and 20th-century a cappella music. The group is known for its imaginative programs, singing unusual or rarely performed works as well as standard choral masterworks. Carols are the jewels of the Christmas music, but the texts of the Magnificat and the Advent antiphons have also inspired composers since the Middle Ages. Here are 21 impressive, lesser-known works, like PeterWishart's "Alleluya, a new work is come on hand," Hugo Distler's "Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming" and "This Flower whose fragrance tender," and Kodaly's "Veni, veni Emmanuel," which show off Opus 7's tremendous range and feeling for the music. There is some small organ accompaniment on a couple of tracks, and excellent, extensive liner notes. We particularly like 7 works from composer John Muehleisen's "The Great "O" Antiphons" ("O Sapientia/O Wisdom," etc.) which was commissioned for and given first performances by the group. John Tavener's "The Lamb," Herbert Howells' "Sing Lullaby," Britten's "Theme-'A Boy Was Born'" and Gerald Finzi's "All This Night"‹all are wonderfully done. "Dawn" is rare sacred music, perfectly performed!

6817 CD $15.98

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