Westminster Williamson Voices: Difference between revisions

Westminster Williamson Voices
Westminster Williamson Voices
Origin	Princeton, New Jersey, United States
Genres	Contemporary, classical
Years active	2003–present
Labels	Naxos Records
Members	Conductor: James Jordan
Website	Westminster Williamson Voices

Browse history interactively

← Previous edit

Content deleted Content added

VisualWikitext

Inline

Latest revision as of 20:32, 16 March 2024

The Westminster Williamson Voices is an ensemble that specializes in choral music. It is named for Westminster Choir College's founder, John Finley Williamson, who believed that choral music performed at the highest level should be accessible to all. The Choir is directed by conductor, pedagogue, and writer Dr.James Jordan

The repertoire and performances of the Westminster Williamson Voices cover a broad spectrum, with special emphasis on music commissioned for the choir. The choir has had music written for it by a number of composers including Morten Lauridsen, Paul Mealor, and James Whitbourn. Artistic collaborations with other art forms—dance, theater, and the visual arts—are at the core of the performances of this ensemble. The ensemble presents artistic repertoire of both traditional and non-traditional genres, tailored to establishing high standards of performance in choirs in churches, schools, and universities.

Williamson Voices' 2010–2011 season included concerts in Princeton and at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center, New York City. Collaborations in both this season and past have included performances with Daniel Stewart and members of the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, and Rossen Milanov with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra.

On September 6, 2011, Williamson Voices' recording of music by James Whitbourn, produced by the composer, was released on Naxos. The album debuted on the Billboard Charts. The 2011–2012 season included concerts in Philadelphia at the Cathedral Church of Saints Peter and Paul, and in Princeton at the Princeton Meadow Church and Event Center. In May, 2012, the group recorded Whitbourn's Annelies, in its chamber version, released by Naxos in January 2013.

Grammy Awards[edit]

On Friday, December 6, 2013, it was announced that the Williamson Voices had been a nominated for a Grammy Award in the "Best Choral Performance" category for their recording of James Whitbourn's, "Annelies". Also featured on the album are Dr.James Jordan, James Whitbourn (Composer and Producer), The Lincoln Trio, Bharat Chandra, and Arianna Zukerman. The award for this category was presented at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2014.

Pedagogical Significance[edit]

The Westminster Williamson Voices serves as a choral laboratory. Its primary musical mission is to explore new methods of teaching and rehearsing and to be at the forefront of choral education pedagogy. The teaching and learning of literature for performance use contemporary ensemble methods involving groundbreaking Aural Immersion Solfège and movement pedagogy emphasizing both the philosophies of Émile Jaques-Dalcroze and Rudolf von Laban. The ensemble also explores new avenues for the art of choral accompanying. The accompanist for the Westminster Williamson Voices assumes a new role, becoming the keystone for aural training for the choir. Consequently, its members gain valuable pedagogical tools to use in their life's work as teachers and professional choral singers. The choir, in addition to being an artistic performing ensemble, is available to serve as an ensemble-in-residence in schools, churches, universities and professional conferences throughout the United States.^[1]

Choral Institute at Oxford (St. Stephen's House)[edit]

The Westminster Williamson Voices, in collaboration with their conductor James Jordan and regular collaborator James Whitbourn, began the Choral Music Institute in the summer of 2013. The program takes place annually, and occurs at St Stephen's House. This program allows conductors of all age ranges and abilities to study choral conducting and choral music with notable faculty including James Jordan, James Whitbourn, James O'Donnell, and many more. More information about the program can be found at the external link below.

Recordings[edit]

Angels in the Architecture (GIA Choralworks Series) (As the Voices of Anam Cara) 2010
Living Voices (Naxos) 2011
Annelies (Naxos) 2013
Hole in the Sky (GIA) 2016
Missa Carolae and Christmas Carols (Naxos) 2016
Silence into Light (GIA) 2017
Ola Gjeilo: Sunrise Mass (GIA) 2019
Aurora (GIA) 2020

References[edit]

^ James Jordan: Evoking Sound

External links[edit]

40°16′42″N 74°44′07″W / 40.2782°N 74.7354°W / 40.2782; -74.7354

[1] James Jordan: Evoking Sound

[1]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Infobox musical artist <!-- For groups; see Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
+{{Infobox musical artist
-| name                = Westminster Williamson Voices
+| name            = Westminster Williamson Voices
+| current_members=Conductor: James Jordan
-| image                 =[[File:Williamson.jpg|thumb|Westminster Williamson Voices, 2011]]
-| background          = group_or_band
+| image           =
-| origin              = [[Princeton]], [[New Jersey]], [[United States]]
+| origin          = [[Princeton, New Jersey|Princeton]], [[New Jersey]], [[United States]]
-| genre               = [[Contemporary classical music|Contemporary]], [[Classical music|classical]]
+| genre           = [[Contemporary classical music|Contemporary]], [[Classical music|classical]]
-| years_active        = {{Start date|2003}}–present
+| years_active    = {{Start date|2003}}–present
-| label               = [[Naxos Records]]
+| label           = [[Naxos Records]]
-| associated_acts     = [[Westminster Choir College]]
+| associated_acts = [[Westminster Choir College]]
-| website                 = [http://www.rider.edu/wcc/academics/choirs/westminster-williamson-voices Westminster Williamson Voices]
+| website         = [http://www.rider.edu/wcc/academics/choirs/westminster-williamson-voices Westminster Williamson Voices]
+}}
-}}'''The Westminster Williamson Voices''' is a highly select ensemble that emphasizes in choral music both old and new. It is named for [[Westminster Choir College]]'s founder, [[John Finley Williamson]], who believed that choral music performed at the highest level should be accessible to all. The Choir is directed by conductor, pedagogue, and writer Dr.[[James Jordan (conductor)|James Jordan]]
+The '''Westminster Williamson Voices''' is an ensemble that specializes in choral music. It is named for [[Westminster Choir College]]'s founder, [[John Finley Williamson]], who believed that choral music performed at the highest level should be accessible to all. The Choir is directed by conductor, pedagogue, and writer Dr.[[James Jordan (conductor)|James Jordan]]
-The repertoire and performances of the Westminster Williamson Voices cover a broad spectrum, with special emphasis upon music commissioned for the choir. The choir has had music written for it by a vast number of composers including [[Morten Lauridsen]] and [[James Whitbourn]]. Artistic collaborations with other art forms-- dance, theater, and the visual arts--are at the core of the performances of this ensemble.  The ensemble presents artistic repertoire of both traditional and non-traditional genres, tailored to establishing high standards of performance in choirs in churches, schools and universities.
+The repertoire and performances of the Westminster Williamson Voices cover a broad spectrum, with special emphasis on music commissioned for the choir. The choir has had music written for it by a number of composers including [[Morten Lauridsen]], [[Paul Mealor]], and [[James Whitbourn]]. Artistic collaborations with other art forms—dance, theater, and the visual arts—are at the core of the performances of this ensemble. The ensemble presents artistic repertoire of both traditional and non-traditional genres, tailored to establishing high standards of performance in choirs in churches, schools, and universities.
-Williamson Voices' 2010 - 2011 season included concerts in Princeton and at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center, New York City. Collaborations in both this season and past have included performances with Daniel Stewart and members of the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, and Rossen Milanov with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra.
+Williamson Voices' 2010–2011 season included concerts in Princeton and at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center, New York City. Collaborations in both this season and past have included performances with Daniel Stewart and members of the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, and Rossen Milanov with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra.
-On September 6, 2011, Williamson Voices' recording of music by James Whitbourn, produced by the composer, was released on Naxos. The album debuted at #22 on the Billboard Charts. In May, 2012, the group recorded Whitbourn's [[Annelies]], also to be released by Naxos. The recording is set for release in early 2013.
+On September 6, 2011, Williamson Voices' recording of music by James Whitbourn, produced by the composer, was released on Naxos. The album debuted on the Billboard Charts. The 2011–2012 season included concerts in Philadelphia at the Cathedral Church of Saints Peter and Paul, and in Princeton at the Princeton Meadow Church and Event Center. In May, 2012, the group recorded Whitbourn's [[Annelies (Whitbourn)|Annelies]], in its chamber version, released by Naxos in January 2013.
+==Grammy Awards==
+On Friday, December 6, 2013, it was announced that the Williamson Voices had been a nominated for a Grammy Award in the "Best Choral Performance" category for their recording of James Whitbourn's, "Annelies". Also featured on the album are Dr.[[James Jordan (conductor)|James Jordan]], [[James Whitbourn]] (Composer and Producer), The Lincoln Trio, Bharat Chandra, and Arianna Zukerman.
+The award for this category was presented at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2014.
 == Pedagogical Significance ==
-The Westminster Williamson Voices serves as a living choral laboratory.  Its primary musical mission is to explore new methods of teaching and rehearsing and to be at the forefront of choral education [[pedagogy]].  The teaching and learning of literature for performance utilize contemporary ensemble methods involving groundbreaking [[Aural Immersion Solfege]] and [[movement pedagogy]] emphasizing both the philosophies of [[Dalcroze]] and [[Laban]]. The ensemble also explores new avenues for the art of choral accompanying. The accompanist for the Westminster Williamson Voices assumes a new role, becoming the keystone for aural training for the choir. Consequently, its members gain valuable pedagogical tools to use in their life’s work as teachers and professional choral singers. The choir, in addition to being an artistic performing ensemble, is available to serve as an ensemble-in-residence in schools, churches, universities and professional conferences throughout the [[United States]].<ref>[http://evokingsound.com/ James Jordan: Evoking Sound<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
+The Westminster Williamson Voices serves as a choral laboratory. Its primary musical mission is to explore new methods of teaching and rehearsing and to be at the forefront of choral education [[pedagogy]]. The teaching and learning of literature for performance use contemporary ensemble methods involving groundbreaking [[Aural Immersion Solfège]] and [[movement pedagogy]] emphasizing both the philosophies of [[Émile Jaques-Dalcroze]] and [[Rudolf von Laban]]. The ensemble also explores new avenues for the art of choral accompanying. The accompanist for the Westminster Williamson Voices assumes a new role, becoming the keystone for aural training for the choir. Consequently, its members gain valuable pedagogical tools to use in their life's work as teachers and professional choral singers. The choir, in addition to being an artistic performing ensemble, is available to serve as an ensemble-in-residence in schools, churches, universities and professional conferences throughout the [[United States]].<ref>[http://evokingsound.com/ James Jordan: Evoking Sound<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
+== Choral Institute at Oxford (St. Stephen's House) ==
+The Westminster Williamson Voices, in collaboration with their conductor [[James Jordan (conductor)|James Jordan]] and regular collaborator [[James Whitbourn]], began the Choral Music Institute in the summer of 2013. The program takes place annually, and occurs at [[St Stephen's House, Oxford|St Stephen's House]]. This program allows conductors of all age ranges and abilities to study choral conducting and choral music with notable faculty including James Jordan, [[James Whitbourn]], [[James O'Donnell (organist)|James O'Donnell]], and many more. More information about the program can be found at the external link below.
 ==Recordings==
 *[http://www.giamusic.com/search_details.cfm?title_id=11070 Angels in the Architecture (GIA Choralworks Series)] (As the Voices of Anam Cara) 2010
-*[http://www.amazon.com/Whitbourn-Living-Voices-Requiem-canticorum/dp/B005CCJQK6 Living Voices (Naxos)] 2011
+*[https://www.amazon.com/Whitbourn-Living-Voices-Requiem-canticorum/dp/B005CCJQK6 Living Voices (Naxos)] 2011
-*[[Annelies]] (Naxos) 2013
+*[[Annelies (Whitbourn)|Annelies]] (Naxos) 2013
+*Hole in the Sky (GIA) 2016
+*Missa Carolae and Christmas Carols (Naxos) 2016
+*Silence into Light (GIA) 2017
+*Ola Gjeilo: Sunrise Mass (GIA) 2019
+*Aurora (GIA) 2020
 == References ==
@@ Line 33: / Line 43: @@
 ==External links==
-* [http://westminster.rider.edu/ Westminster Choir College of Rider University]
+* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060717022118/http://westminster.rider.edu/ Westminster Choir College of Rider University]
 * [http://library.rider.edu/talbott Talbott Library]
 * [http://www.evokingsound.com Dr. James Jordan (Conductor)]
+* [http://www.rider.edu/academics/colleges-schools/wca/woce/oxford Choral Music Institute at St. Stephen's House (Oxford University)]
 {{Coord|40.2782|-74.7354|display=title}}
-[[Category:Music schools in New Jersey]]
+{{Princeton, New Jersey}}
-[[Category:Universities and colleges in New Jersey]]
+{{Authority control}}
+[[Category:Choirs in New Jersey]]
+[[Category:Private universities and colleges in New Jersey]]
 [[Category:Princeton, New Jersey]]
 [[Category:Westminster Choir College alumni]]

v t e Princeton, New Jersey
Historic districts	Princeton Historic District Stony Brook Village Jugtown King's Highway Kingston Mill Mountain Avenue
Former municipalities	Borough of Princeton Princeton Township
Public schools	Princeton Public Schools Princeton High School Witherspoon Street School for Colored Children (defunct) Princeton Charter School
Independent schools	Hun School Lewis School Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart Princeton Day Princeton Friends Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science St. Paul's Stuart Country Day
Colleges and universities	Princeton University (people) Princeton Theological Seminary Westminster Choir College Evelyn College for Women (defunct)
Other education	Institute for Advanced Study Princeton Community Japanese Language School Princeton Public Library Princeton University Art Museum Witherspoon Institute
Places of worship	Miller Chapel Nassau Christian Center Nassau Presbyterian Princeton United Methodist Princeton University Chapel Stone Hill Church Stony Brook Meeting House Trinity Episcopal
Parks and recreation	Delaware and Raritan Canal Herrontown Woods Arboretum Jasna Polana Lake Carnegie Marquand Park Mountain Lakes Preserve Princeton Battlefield
Economy	Nassau Street Palmer Square Elements Hoagie Haven Nassau Club Nassau Inn Peacock Inn Princeton Record Exchange Triumph Brewing Princeton Shopping Center Tiger Transit
Performing arts	Alexander Hall Garden Theatre McCarter Theatre Princeton Symphony Orchestra Williamson Voices
Media	I Grew Up in Princeton Comedy Minus One Princeton Community Television Princeton Packet Town Topics
Other landmarks	Albert Einstein House Drumthwacket Joseph Henry House Donald Grant Herring Estate Maclean House Maybury Hill Mercer Oak Morven Nassau Hall Princeton Battle Monument Princeton Cemetery Princeton Railroad Station Prospect House Tusculum Cottage Club Washington Oak Westland Mansion
Princeton addressed landmarks outside the municipality	American Boychoir School (defunct) Chapin School Educational Testing Service Forrestal Village MarketFair Mall Princeton Airport Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center (formerly located on Witherspoon Street, now in neighboring Plainsboro) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Robert Wood Johnson Foundation St. Joseph's Seminary (in Plainsboro; defunct) Sarnoff Corporation Terhune Orchards Washington Road Elm Allée Wilberforce School
See also: Princeton University and National Register of Historic Places listings in Mercer County, New Jersey