New York Polyphony
New York Polyphony is a professional male classical vocal quartet based in New York City.
Although the ensemble draws heavily from the music of the Medieval and Renaissance periods, New York Polyphony has demonstrated a commitment to contemporary music and—in the case of commissions by Andrew Smith, Gregory Brown, Jackson Hill and others—works by living composers. In addition, the ensemble frequently collaborates with musicians working in different mediums such as experimental performer/ composer Bora Yoon and violinist Lizzie Ball.
Founded in 2006, the ensemble tours extensively throughout the United States and Europe. New York Polyphony has participated in major concert series and festivals, including the Miller Theatre Music Series at Columbia University; Dallas Chamber Music Series; Ireland’s Ardee Baroque Festival; Denmark’s Vendsyssel Festival; Festival de Música de Morelia, Mexico; and the Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center.
In 2011, New York Polyphony signed an exclusive contract with BIS Records. Their first CD on BIS, endBeginning, is scheduled for worldwide release Spring 2012. The disc features the first-known recording of 'Lamentationes Jeremiae a 4' by Thomas Crecquillon as well as other works by composers of the Franco-Flemish Renaissance.
Prior to signing with BIS Records, New York Polyphony released two CDs on the British label Avie Records, I sing the birth (2007) and Tudor City (2010). Both discs received substantial critical acclaim, but only the latter reached the top ten of the Billboard classical chart, peaking at #6 in June 2010. Surrexit Christus, a digital EP featuring the music of Andrew Smith remixed by Bora Yoon and composer/ producer Btoven, was released Summer 2010.
In 2011, a Gregorian chant remix competition sponsored by Indaba Music resulted in the digital-only EP Devices and Desires.
New York Polyphony has been featured on National Public Radio's All Things Considered, Minnesota Public Radio's New Classical Tracks, WNYC - New York Public Radio's Choral Fixation and Public Radio International's Footprints to Paradise: A Medieval Christmas. The ensemble made their television debut in December 2011 on The Martha Stewart Show.
The current lineup includes countertenor Geoffrey Williams, tenor Steven Caldicott Wilson, baritone Christopher Herbert and bass Craig Phillips. Founding members Scott Dispensa and Geoffrey Silver left the group in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
The ensemble is represented by Opus 3 Artists.
Discography
- I Sing the Birth (2007)
- Tudor City (2010)
- Surrexit Christus - EP (2010)
- Devices & Desires - EP (2011)
- endBeginning (2012)