Musical matters

This post in the blog is an unashamed commercial for two groups of musicians that I particularly admire…

The first is the National Chamber Choir of Ireland. The Choir originally was one of the performing groups of Irish national Broadcaster Radio Telefis Eireann (RTE). When RTE decided to review that relationship, the Choir became independent and, from 1995, has been the choir in residence of my university, DCU. Since then it has had three famous artistic directors: Colin Mawby, Celso Antunes, and (since earlier this year) Paul Hillier. During that time also the NCC has benefited from the dedication of its founding CEO, Karina Lundstrom, and more recently the current CEO Eilbhin Gleeson. It has worked with prominent conductors and musicians from around the world, and has toured widely – with a repertoire that covers the choral classics as well as some striking contemporary music. Choral music does not always have mass appeal, but the NCC is spectacular and is well worth a listen – there are several recorded albums.

The second is perhaps in a different genre, but maybe not so different as one might first think. I have already mentioned that I am a fan of the alternative Indie band, A Fine Frenzy. The band plays the music of California-based singer-songwriter Alison Sudol. She has produced some wonderful songs, and her debut album One Cell in the Sea has enjoyed some very enthusiastic reviews on both sides of the Atlantic. Her influences are extraordinarily eclectic, ranging from classical music through folk and some British bands. Her lyrics are influenced by classical literature and modern poetry. This is music that is well worth a listen.

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Tags: A Fine Frenzy, chamber music, choral, music, National Chamber Choir

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