Essential Voices USA gives us "Holiday Joy"

 

Essential Voices USA gives us "Holiday Joy"

HOLIDAY JOY by Essential Voices USA, under the direction of acclaimed conductor Judith Clurman, offers a moving celebration of light, peace, and joy for the holiday season. 

This collection brings together three evocative works: Eight Days of Lights and Chanukah Joy and Peace, composed by Clurman and David Chase, and "The Holidays Are Here," co-written by Clurman and Wesley Whatley. 

Through a blend of Jewish liturgical traditions and festive Christmas spirit, the album illuminates the universal need for light and hope in dark times.

With vivid instrumental arrangements for piano, clarinet, and cello, and stunning performances by Essential Voices USA, HOLIDAY JOY creates a sense of warmth and unity, inviting listeners to reflect on freedom, resilience, and shared celebration. 

Each piece not only honors its historical and cultural origins but also breathes new life into holiday music, making this album an inspiring and joyful experience for all.

https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy1987/

Essential Voices USA Bring Joy with Three Large Christmas Works

 

Essential Voices USA Bring Joy with Three Large Christmas Works

Editor's Note: We missed this one in 2023. Descriptions are ensembles own.

Judith Clurman and Albany Records have released Christmas Joy (TROY1955), a collection of three works.

Illumination was written by composer Pierre Jalbert; the text is based on the poem “Illumination” by lyricist William Schermerhorn. The A Cappella work, for mixed voices, was commissioned by Essential Voices USA, in 2023, with funds from the Maury Newburger Foundation. The World Premiere will take place on December 16, 2023, with Judith Clurman conducting her Essential Voices USA. 

In describing his piece, Pierre Jalbert comments: “The image of the solitary flame, giving light to the darkness, is at the heart of this new work for choir. Both text and music seek to convey the spirit of hope, goodwill, and fellowship among all people.” 

Lyricist William Schermerhorn says: “Through the ages, people of all creeds have sought both survival and solace in the near-mystical power of the flame. Whether gathering with others around a massive bonfire or reading, in solitary enjoyment, by the light of a single candle, we embrace the light that draws us for its practical uses and to its symbolic powers of hope and triumph. 

Light sustains both body and spirit; With ‘Illumination’ it’s my wish for the many sparks amongst us to unite in a renewal of goodwill and kindness, and, with the kindred spirit of music, to fill this world with the beauty and promise of a rising, glorious sun.”

Essential Voices USA
Judith Clurman, Conductor
The Essential Strings: Suliman Tekali & Yu-Chie Wang, violins; Caeli Smith, viola; Coleman Itzkoff, cello

I. Illumination
Pierre Jalbert, Composer
William Schermerhorn, Text

II. The Snow
Bill Cutter, Composer
Lewis Carrol, Text

III. Christmas Joy
Arranged and text adaptation by Josh Clayton and Judith Clurman

Special liner notes and translations may be downloaded here:

Christmas-Joy-by-Essential-Voices-USA-Judith-Clurman-conductor.pdf

https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy1955/

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