An amazing group of singers based in Silicon Valley, the Choral Project, is celebrating its 20th anniversary season, and one of their performances will be held at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz on Saturday, April 9.
The Art of Sound: Inspiration includes world premieres by Eric William Barnum and Joshua Shank, which were commissioned by the Choral Project in celebration of its anniversary. The concert will also include favorite selections from the past 20 seasons, such as Rene Clausen’s sublime “In Pace” and Latvian composer Juris Karlsons’ virtuosic masterpiece “Neslegtais Gredzens” (the Unclosed Ring). Music by Vaclovas Augustinas and Eriks Esenvalds round out this very special concert.
If you have never experienced the Choral Project, then you are in for a treat. The choir sings mostly a cappella, but sometimes uses piano or percussion for, say, an African-rhythm song. Songs are diverse, captivating and masterfully sung.
I have attended many of the Choral Project’s concerts, including a recent performance featuring the King’s Singers from England, which took place in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph in San Jose, and two last year where the Canadian Brass were guest artists, and American jazz pianist Taylor Eigsti played in a Christmas concert in the Mission Santa Clara de Asis in Santa Clara. The Choral Project’s performances are sublime experiences, and all superbly conducted by artistic director Daniel Hughes.
“I am very excited for our mid-season concert,” says Hughes. “Audiences will love the world premiere commissions by Eric William Barnum and Joshua Shank—featuring memorable melodies that will resonate with music lovers of all ages for years to come.”
The Choral Project has been invited to perform in this summer’s Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, so we can look forward to hearing them again in August.
The Choral Project will perform at 8 p.m. April 9 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 126 High St., Santa Cruz. For more information and to purchase tickets (which range from $10 to $23) visit choralproject.org.
