Choral Splendor: Old and New

The program will feature works by contemporary composers, including Caroline Shaw, Claudia Hinsdale, and Andrew Rindfleisch, reflecting on works by Dietrich Buxtehude, Gregorio Allegri, and Sebastián de Vivanco. Continuing the Choir’s mission of commissioning the works of living composers, these concerts will include two world premieres from Northeast Ohio composers: a co-commission with Oberlin College & Conservatory by Jeff Scott, co-founder of Imani Winds, and a commission from Cleveland State University student Joshua Estok.

“The seeking of knowledge of the unknown, of one’s destiny or what is commonly known as Divination, is a practice that has intrigued me for decades,” stated Jeff Scott. “Even more intriguing I’ve found, are the commonalities as well as the stark differences between cultures and religions in this practice. In this new work, “Nǐ de Mìngyùn, Ayanmo Mi” (Your Destiny, My Destiny), for chorus, horn quartet and piano, I explore I Ching (China) and Ifa (Yoruba).  The texts, the rituals and the crossing points between the two.”

A pre-concert talk will be presented by Charles Edward McGuire, PhD, from Oberlin College & Conservatory, 45 minutes before each performance.

Join us in making a difference. This year, a record number of people around the world have been displaced from their homes. A portion of proceeds from our pay what you will tickets will go to aid Re:Source Cleveland. Across eight programs they support our newest neighbors as they settle into life in Cleveland after their initial transition. They work with children and adults who come to Cleveland as refugees, humanitarian parolees, asylum seekers, and those with temporary protected status. Their work focuses on supporting newcomers in building thriving lives through education, mentoring, tutoring, mental health and wellness, urban agriculture, employment, content creation, youth sports and recreation, and social services and benefits enrollment. Or visit resourcecleveland.org/give to support this important work directly.

This concert is presented with generous grants from The Cleveland Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, The Gund Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, Local 4 Music Fund and the Bascom Little Fund. Ticket reservations requested at clevelandchamberchoir.org.

The Choir provides audiences with exceptional performances of unique and diverse repertoire, blending music by living composers with six centuries of choral repertoire, and emphasizing the works of composers historically excluded from the concert hall. Since its founding in 2015, the Choir has won acclaim for inclusive programming, for partnering with community charities, and for free concerts that ensure everyone can afford to hear world-class professional choral singing. Throughout their nine seasons, the Choir has commissioned and/or given world or United States premieres of over 35 works. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gregory Ristow, the Cleveland Chamber Choir brings together performing artists, administrators, audience members, and donors with the philosophy that choral music is a vehicle for good in the world that should be accessible and welcoming to all. More information at clevelandchamberchoir.org.