Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

The New York Vocal Arts Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1982 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for vocal music. The ensemble has since become one of the most respected and acclaimed vocal groups in the United States, known for their innovative programming and exceptional performances. The founding members of the New York Vocal Arts Ensemble were soprano Judith Clurman, tenor Bruce Saylor, and bass-baritone David Ripley. They were soon joined by mezzo-soprano Jan Opalach and countertenor Drew Minter, and together they formed a core group of singers that would remain with the ensemble for many years. From the beginning, the New York Vocal Arts Ensemble was committed to performing a wide range of vocal music, from early music to contemporary works. They quickly gained a reputation for their innovative programming, which often included lesser-known works alongside more familiar pieces. One of the ensemble's early highlights was their performance of Bach's Mass in B Minor in 1984, which was praised by critics for its "clarity, precision, and beauty of tone." This performance helped establish the New York Vocal Arts Ensemble as a leading interpreter of Bach's music, and they have since performed many of his works, including the St. Matthew Passion and the Christmas Oratorio. Over the years, the ensemble has also collaborated with many other musicians and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the American Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestra of St. Luke's. They have also worked with composers such as John Corigliano, Philip Glass, and Steve Reich, and have premiered many new works by contemporary composers. One of the New York Vocal Arts Ensemble's most notable collaborations was with the jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck. In 1996, they performed Brubeck's oratorio "The Gates of Justice" at Lincoln Center, which was hailed by critics as a "triumph of musical collaboration." The ensemble also recorded the work with Brubeck and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, which was released on CD in 1997. In addition to their collaborations with other musicians, the New York Vocal Arts Ensemble has also been recognized for their own performances. They have received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including a Grammy nomination for their recording of Bernstein's "Chichester Psalms" in 1990. Another highlight of the ensemble's career was their performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. They were invited to perform at the opening ceremony, where they sang the American national anthem and a medley of patriotic songs. The performance was watched by millions of people around the world, and helped to raise the profile of the ensemble even further. Despite the many accolades and achievements of the New York Vocal Arts Ensemble, they have remained committed to their original mission of bringing a wide range of vocal music to audiences around the world. They continue to perform regularly, both in the United States and abroad, and are known for their exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. Today, the New York Vocal Arts Ensemble is led by Judith Clurman, who has been the ensemble's artistic director since its founding. The core group of singers has changed over the years, but the ensemble remains committed to the same high standards of performance and programming that have made them one of the most respected vocal groups in the world.

More....