These are two additional album reviews I wrote for Anacrusis, the quarterly publication of Choral Canada in Fall 2024. Each album showcases distinct approaches to choral music, highlighting the diversity of sound and cultural influence in the choral world.
The first album I reviewed is Vox Famina by Ensemble Laude, a distinguished choir known for its dedication to uplifting and celebrating women’s voices in choral music. Ensemble Laude has long been a champion of women’s choral music, and Vox Famina continues that tradition with a thoughtfully curated program that spans a wide range of emotions, from the serene to the dramatic. What stands out immediately is the inclusion of many works by living composers, several from Canada, alongside newly commissioned pieces, all enriched by a diversity of languages.
The second album is Alleluia by Kappella Kyrie, focused on an album focused on the sacred and liturgical music of the Slavic tradition. This album showcases works that have been central to the Eastern European choral tradition and many a cappella song. The choir’s interpretation, marked by the vulnerability of the soloists, the supportive harmonies of the ensemble, and the overall unity, creates a moving auditory experience.
