As I move through the holiday season, I find myself listening to and experiencing more choral music than normal. I usually get so busy, that most of that happens passively, while completing other tasks.
The other day, while doing chores at home, I popped in the latest VocalEssence CD, Nordic Nativity. After just two tracks, I stopped, sat down, took a breath and just listened.
What was it that stopped me? Was it the gorgeous singing from the choir? Maybe it was Sara Pajunen's lyrical fiddle playing. I'm not sure I have an answer, but I know that their performance of Kim André Arnesen's Cradle Hymn really got me.
Arnesen's star is rising worldwide; recently being named the composer-in-residence for the Colorado based choir, Kantorei and securing a commission to be performed by Conspirare during the 2016 St. Olaf Festival in Trondheim.
I asked VocalEssence founder and artistic director, Philip Brunelle, about his experience hearing Arnesen's piece for the first time. Brunelle responded, "I loved Cradle Hymn, it is so beautiful. It has to be programmed and part of our recording, because this is an important way for the young composer to be heard beyond his native country."
I am sure that you will be hearing much more of Arnesen's craft and art in the coming years.
To hear the complete story in this week's episode of Sing To Inspire, click the audio player above.
#SingToInspire Performance of the Week
VocalEssence - Cradle Hymn
Kim André Arnesen, composer
Philip Brunelle, conductor
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