Nationally renowned musician and educator Emily Ellsworth directs the 51-strong Chicago-based GECC through 16 songs in their distinctive warm and spirited style. Several Australian and New Zealand folk songs grace this CD, 'Tutira Mai Nga Iwi,' 'Cabbage Tree Hat,' and 'Waltzing Mathilda.' Two of our favorites are the exuberant African-flavored tunes 'Kungala' and 'Akakomborerwa,' with its powerful rhythmic drumming. Also among our favorites are Aaron Copland's 'The Promise of Living' and 'At the River,' arranged by Copland, and 'I'm Goin' Up a Yonder' by Walter Hawkins. Most songs are piano or drum accompanied, all are beautiful and touching.

The 60-strong GECC, under the able direction of nationally recognized musician and educator Emily Ellsworth. Accompanied on piano by William Bubs, 'Abbondanza' is a spirited, joyous collection from the first tune, 'How Can I Keep From Singing,' a heartbreakingly beautiful a cappella 'Amazing Grace' and Leonard Bernstein's 'Simple Song' to Hatfield's exuberant 'Las Amarillas,' Favero's 'Te Quiero,' 'I Love a Piano' and 'Ae Fond Kiss.' Interspersed are sacred songs like Haydn's 'Laudate pueri Dominum,' Puccini's lovely 'O mio babbino caro' and Donizetti's 'Che interminable andirivieni,' the wonderful Servant's Chorus from Don Pasquale. An aptly titled CD by one of the best children's choruses we've heard.

Colorful Christmas selections of all styles by the multiple award-winning, Chicago area-based mixed-voice GECC, directed since 1996 by Emily Ellsworth, with Guest Artist Stephen Hartman on harp. 21 songs, featuring Britten's 'Ceremony of Carols,' traditional favorites, popular selections such as 'Most Wonderful Time of the Year,' 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,' and a poignant new arrangement of 'Auld Lang Syne.' We love the sound of a fine children's chorus at Christmas, especially one as beautifully trained and directed as this one. John Rutter's 'Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day' and 'Personent Hodie,' 'Ding Dong Merrily on High,' 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,' and a lilting cover of Jester Hairston's 'Mary's Little Boy Child.' Some accompaniment, from light harp to orchestral, on all songs. An excellent CD, sure to fill you with Christmas spirit!

Listen to Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day in RealAudio.

Founded in Chicago in 1964 by Barbara Born and led to international recognition by Music Director Dr. Doreen Rao, 'At Home' celebrates the 51-member `GECC's 40th Anniversary. This is a 'best of' collection of 20 songs, 14 live performances from 1999 to 2004 under the direction of Emily Ellsworth, and six classic recordings from 1984 under the direction of Dr. Rao. Some of our favorites were commissioned by the GECC: Stephen Paulus' 'Sing Creations Music On,' Lee Kesselman's lovely 'Briar Rose,' Astor Piazzolla's 'Libertango,' Waylon Rogers' 'The Truly Great,' and 'Angels are Everywhere,' 'The Angel on the Cloud,' by Daniel Pinkham. Others are Nick Page's 'Fairest Lady,' Bach's 'Herr, du siehst statt gutter Werke,' the spiritual 'My Lord, What A Morning' and John Denver's 'All This Joy.' There is piano accompaniment throughout. Singing with poise and confidence beyond their years, the GECC and 'At Home' are American classics!