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
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.
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.
In September, 2011, Williamson Voices' second recording, produced by James Whitbourn, will be released.
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.[1]
Williamson Voices' 2010 - 2011 Performance Season
| Performance | Date & Location |
|---|---|
| Gloria! - Featuring the Westminster Williamson Voices and Schola Cantorum | November 5th, 2010 - 8 p.m. - Bristol Chapel *SOLD OUT* |
| Women of the Westminster Williamson Voices and the Princeton Symphony Orchestra | November 14th, 2010 - 8 p.m. - Alexander Hall, Princeton University |
| Williamson Voices at Lincoln Center | March 28th, 2011 - 8 p.m. - Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center |