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The Choral Project is an ambitious, highly-regarded vocal ensemble based in the San Francisco Bay area. Just under 50 voices in strength, the group attempts to reach beyond the stage--to bridge the distance between singer and spectator. Under the baton and artistic direction of Daniel Hughes, the Choral Project delivers remarkable results results on Winter, a stimulating and challenging holiday release.

This offering presents a rather eclectic mix, all performed with impressive professionalism. The extensive liner notes are extremely helpful. The lay person is likely to recognize only a few selections here, and these include a relatively straightforward rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas; a breezy, syncopated Mary's Little Boy Child (it is odd to hear a classical choir engaging in the studied articulation of a Jamaican accent); and an easy-listening pop perspective for the closing Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Of the familiar pieces, my favorite is the down tempo, haunting treatment of Lo, how a rose e'er blooming--simply gorgeous.

The title track Winter is the first commercial recording of Eric Whitacre's work, and this sitar-laden number brought back cool memories of Ravi Shankar concerts from long ago. At more than 11 minutes, Winter is easily the longest track, and the sitar gives the piece an exotic Indian sensibility that contrasts with the austere feel of stark December landscapes. The choir inserts dramatic layers of vocal tones, achieving compelling results that demand the listeners' attention.

Winter is a very cool and undeniably unusual holiday offering that should attract those who favor a cappella treatments of sophisticated fare. Fascinating!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the Liner Notes:

Recorded November 5th & 6th, 2005, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Palo Alto, California

Daniel Hughes, Artistic Director and Conduct:
"I have always loved the wintertime. The crisp air, the austere mood and the stark colors of the sky and bare trees offer the chance to find warmth near a fire, put on a thick sweater, cuddle with a loved one, and wrap one's self in the comfort of friendship and love.

As you listen to this recording, you may occasionally hear the sounds of the living world around the singers as they shared their gift of music: the shifting of the beautiful church in which we sang as the warmth of the sun shone down on its roof, or the breath and movement of an occasional audience member. Consider these as examples of life around the musical action, much like a crackle from the fire is evidence of a living flame offering its warmth."

From the Website:

About the Album:

The Choral Project is proud to announce the release of their fifth recording, Winter, featuring:

Eric Whitacre's Winter with the San José Chamber Orchestra and sitar player Dr. Prasad Jogalekar
Dominick Argento's Gloria, featuring organist James Welch
Franz Biebl's Ave Maria with the Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus
David Maddux's Christmas Goes Classical
Dutch, Nigerian, Russian, and Jamaican pieces as well as a few traditional holiday standards


About the Group:

The Choral Project, founded by Artistic Director Daniel Hughes in 1996, has developed an outstanding reputation for performing high-level choral literature and bridging the gap between text and music, singer and spectator. The 48-voice ensemble has performed throughout Northern California in concert performances, interfaith services, as well as choral festivals and invitationals, including performances for conventions of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the California Music Educators Association (CMEA), showcase concerts for the National Association of Composers of the USA (NACUSA) and a performance by invitation to represent the State of California at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., as part of the California State Day Celebration Service.

In July 2007, The Choral Project placed in all three categories at the California International Choral Festival & Competition in San Luis Obispo, CA. They took home 1st place in the Choir's Choice category, 2nd place in the Required Pieces category, and 3rd in the Folk Music category. After The Choral Project's standing ovation performance, Gary Lamprecht, the festival's Artistic Director, adopted The Choral Project's vision to "heal our world through music and words" as the universal theme for the festival to the overwhelming approval of a sold-out crowd. In July of 2004, The Choral Project took 2nd place in the Mixed Choir competition at the 58th annual International Eisteddfod in Wales. Their performance of Juris Karlsons's "Neslegtais Gredzens," received the highest individual score of any performing group (95 out of 100) and was described by the international panel of judges as a "tour de force." In June of 2001, The Choral Project received rave reviews and standing ovations at concert performances during their first international tour to Mexico and Costa Rica, which included highly acclaimed performances on Mexican National Radio, and a joint concert with the Café Chorale in Costa Rica.

The Choral Project recently released two CDs on the Clarion label -- Winter, featuring the first commercial recording of Eric Whitacre's haunting composition "Winter," with the San José Chamber Orchestra and sitar player Dr. Prasad Jogalekar; and One is the All, a recording that accompanied their June 2006 production of the same name, featuring the world premiere of "Kéramos," a new choral work by Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz. Also on the Clarion label, their critically-acclaimed recording and #1 best seller Water & Light, featuring the music of Eric Whitacre as well as selections by Lauridsen, Clausen, Tavener and others. The Choral Project has performed world premieres of compositions by numerous composers including Brent Heisinger, Brian Holmes, Theodore Lucas and most recently, Stephen Schwartz.

The Choral Project

Winter

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Track List