The modal work displayed Balfour's ear for close harmonies with guest string quartet: Claudine St-Arnauld (violin); Rachel Moody (violin); Anne Elise Lavallée (viola); and Blair Burns (cello) seamlessly interwoven throughout while adding its own sonic texture."Also from the east set, Minnesota-based composer Catherine Dalton's From the State of Emptiness evokes haunting Tibetan chant including otherworldly, whistling vocal overtones led by chorister Alan Schroeder." Ave Maria (West) by New-Brunswick's James Fogarty is an arresting a cappella work that steadily grows in intensity as its melody derives from densely scored harmonies. 

(full review here)

I am so excited to share Nicole's powerful interpretation of these songs with you. Paired with Clinton Smith on piano and Tim O'Brien on dumbek, Nicole has realized a dream for me - to share these songs with the world. Thanks Nicole!

Listen to Nicole Warner on CD Baby

Mahtomedi High School's Varsity Choir will be performing Today will be warm: A Story Cloth in Sound, as part of their Music in the Schools Concert highlighting Minnesota Composers.

Based upon the poignant memoir of local author, Kao Kailia Yang, Today will be warm is a soundscape inspired by Yang's retelling of the attack on her family group in the mountains of Laos.

Thursday, March 24, Chautaqua Fine Arts Center, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Kao Kalia Yang's Website