Discography is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music
ESSENTIAL VOICES USA
Listen to the World
Music by Judith Clurman, Robert Sirota, Matthew Sklar
Texts by William Schermerhorn and Victoria R. Sirota
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https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy1994
Holiday Joy
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https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy1987
“’Eight Days of Light’ – a haunting and gorgeous number with a mixture of Hebrew and English lyrics.”
– Broadway World
Judith Clurman and Albany Records have released Christmas Joy (TROY1987), a collection of three works.
HOLIDAY JOY by Essential Voices USA, under the direction of acclaimed conductor Judith Clurman, offers a moving celebration of light, peace, and joy for the holiday season. This collection brings together three evocative works: Eight Days of Lights and Chanukah Joy and Peace, composed by Clurman and David Chase, and The Holidays Are Here, co-written by Clurman and Wesley Whatley. Through a blend of Jewish liturgical traditions and festive Christmas spirit, the album illuminates the universal need for light and hope in dark times.
With vivid instrumental arrangements for piano, clarinet, and cello, and stunning performances by Essential Voices USA, HOLIDAY JOY creates a sense of warmth and unity, inviting listeners to reflect on freedom, resilience, and shared celebration. Each piece not only honors its historical and cultural origins but also breathes new life into holiday music, making this album an inspiring and joyful experience for all.
Christmas Joy
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https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy1955
Judith Clurman and Albany Records have released Christmas Joy (TROY1955), a collection of three works.
Essential Voices USA
Judith Clurman, Conductor
The Essential Strings: Suliman Tekali & Yu-Chie Wang, violins; Caeli Smith, viola; Coleman Itzkoff, cello
I. Illumination
Pierre Jalbert, Composer
William Schermerhorn, Text
II. The Snow
Bill Cutter, Composer
Lewis Carrol, Text
III. Christmas Joy
Arranged and text adaptation by Josh Clayton and Judith Clurman
Special liner notes and translations may be downloaded here:
Christmas-Joy-by-Essential-Voices-USA-Judith-Clurman-conductor.pdf
ILLUMINATION was written by composer Pierre Jalbert; the text is based on the poem “Illumination” by lyricist William Schermerhorn. The A Cappella work, for mixed voices, was commissioned by Essential Voices USA, in 2023, with funds from the Maury Newburger Foundation. The World Premiere will take place on December 16, 2023, with Judith Clurman conducting her Essential Voices USA. In describing his piece, Pierre Jalbert comments: “The image of the solitary flame, giving light to the darkness, is at the heart of this new work for choir. Both text and music seek to convey the spirit of hope, goodwill, and fellowship among all people.” Lyricist William Schermerhorn says: “Through the ages, people of all creeds have sought both survival and solace in the near-mystical power of the flame. Whether gathering with others around a massive bonfire or reading, in solitary enjoyment, by the light of a single candle, we embrace the light that draws us for its practical uses and to its symbolic powers of hope and triumph. Light sustains both body and spirit; With ‘Illumination’ it’s my wish for the many sparks amongst us to unite in a renewal of goodwill and kindness, and, with the kindred spirit of music, to fill this world with the beauty and promise of a rising, glorious sun.”
World Premiere Performance: December 16, 2023 – Judith Clurman conducting Essential Voices USA and The Essential Strings, at St. Malachy’s – The Actor’s Chapel, New York City
THE SNOW The lyrics of “The Snow” are taken from chapter one of Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There (published December 1871 though indicated 1872). The words capture the idea of snow acting as a cozy blanket covering all of nature until the warmth of summer returns.
World Premiere Performance: December, 2023 – Andrew Clark conducting The Harvard Collegium at Sanders Theater, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
CHRISTMAS JOY is a through-composed work, scored for chorus and string quartet that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The arrangement and text adaptation are by Josh Clayton and Judith Clurman. The carols heard are Silent Night (music – Franz Gruber; text – Joseph Mohr); Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (music – Felix Mendelssohn; text – Charles Wesley); Angels We Have Heard on High (music – Traditional French; English translation – James Chadwick); O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (music – Gregorian Chant); O Come, All Ye Faithful (attributed to John Francis Wade; English translation – Frederick Oakeley); and Joy to the World (music – attributed to George F. Handel; text – Isaac Watts). The piece was commissioned by Michael Douris and by the family of James L. Keffer, in honor of his 70thbirthday.
World Premiere Performance: December 16, 2023 – Judith Clurman conducting Essential Voices USA and The Essential Strings, at St. Malachy’s – The Actor’s Chapel, New York City
Remember, Revere, Rejoice
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https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy1939
Judith Clurman and Albany Records have released REMEMBER, REVERE, REJOICE (TROY1939), a collection of six works.
Judith Clurman Conductor
James Cunningham Piano
Coleman Itzkoff Cello
Special liner notes and translations may be downloaded here:
Remember, Revere, Rejoice Notes Translations ©EVUSA 2023.PDF
I. Unter Davne Vavse Shtern
Avrom Bruno, arr. Bill Cutter
II. To Be Alive (Birdsong)
Mark Broder, arr. Bill Cutter
III. Adonai Roi
Daniel & Nina Faia Mutlu
IV. Winter Is Past
Joseph N. Rubinstein
V. Dodi Li
Steve Sher, arr. Brant Adams
VI. Siman Tov
Traditional, arr. Bill Cutter
This recording embraces the highs and lows of Jewish life. The selections express the highs and lows of Jewish life – the Holocaust (Remember), a psalm setting (Revere), and love poetry and joy (Rejoice).
“I am deeply moved by Judith’s Essential Voices USA recording of ‘Unter Dayne Vayse Stern.’ The chorus sounds beautiful and unique. The performance is exquisite.”
– Hadas Kalderon, granddaughter of poet Avraham Sutzkever
Devotion
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Judith Clurman and Acis Productions have released DEVOTION, a collection of three works.
Ave Maria (1:36)
Where there is Sadness, Joy (2:34)
Dona Nobis Pacem (1:02)
“Ave Maria,” a setting of the traditional Latin text, was written in 2014 by composer Bill Cutter for his Massachusetts Institute of Technology Chorus. It is the second work in Cutter’s collection, “Divine Mother.” “Where There is Sadness, Joy” was commissioned by Essential Voices USA. Composed in 2017, by the Frost School of Music faculty member Shawn Crouch, the text is a combination of the Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila with the Peace Prayer of St. Francis. “Dona Nobis Nobis,” a short round based on the traditional Latin text, was written for Judith’s Essential Voices USA in 2018, by Broadway’s award-winning orchestrator Jonathan Tunick.
The members of EVUSA that sang on these recordings are: Joseph Beutel, Paul D’Arcy, Margery Daley, Chole Holgate, Amy Justman, Helen Karloski, Steven Moore, Heather Petrie, Jamet Pittman, Gregory Purnhagen, Eric Sorrels, and Elisa Singer Strom.
These recordings can be streamed on all platforms. The published scores of the Cutter and Crouch scores are available through Hal Leonard. The recordings were produced and engineered by Silas Brown.
Silent Night
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Essential Voices USA with mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton and pianist Tedd Firth
The Firth/Clurman arrangement. scored for mixed voices, mezzo and piano, was originally released as part of the Essential Voices USA CD Holiday Harmonies. The recording, on the Sono Luminus label, can be streamed on all platforms. The published score is available through Hal Leonard (HL 50600458). The recording was produced by David Frost.
Washington Women
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David Chase & Judith Clurman composers
Judith Clurman conductor
Lee Musiker piano
Raman Ramakrishnan cello
WASHINGTON WOMEN is a new collection of choral songs by David Chase and Judith Clurman. It is scored for mixed chorus, piano and cello. The texts are taken from speeches, opinions, and interviews of sixteen remarkable women from across the political spectrum, all of whom spent part of their lives associated with Washington DC – First Ladies, Senators, Congresswomen, Supreme Court Justices, Secretaries of State, Vice President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives: Abigail Adams, Madeleine Albright, Barbara Bush, Laura Bush, Shirley Chisholm, Hilary Rodham Clinton, Betty Ford, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Kamala Harris, Elena Kagan, Michelle Obama, Sandra Day O’Connor, Nancy Pelosi, Condoleezza Rice, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Chase Smith.
The singers of Essential Voices USA are joined by pianist Lee Musiker and cellist Raman Ramakrishnan. The recording, on Acis (APL27921), can be streamed on all platforms.
The published score is available through Hal Leonard (HL00329483).
“Washington Women is collection of musical settings of iconic texts taken from speeches, opinions, and interviews of sixteen remarkable woman from across the political spectrum, all of whom spent a time of their lives associated with Washington DC – First Ladies, Senators, Congresswomen, Supreme Court Justices, Secretaries of State, Vice President, and Speak of the House of Representatives. The music delivers messages that are relevant to today’s world. Each one of these women found hope in the possibilities of the American dream. By setting their words to music, we hope that you will hear those words in fresh ways, learn more about these women and discover why they spoke these words when they did. And most importantly, we hope that Washington Women inspires you to speak out as well.”
-David Chase and Judith Clurman
Libretto can be downloaded here: Washington-Women-Libretto.pdf
“I am delighted to be included among the illustrious women represented in ‘Washington Women,’ a collection of choral music beautifully written by David Chase and Judith Clurman. Each of these women, representing a range of political views and spanning centuries in our history, have important lessons to teach our young people, and their wisdom is brought to life through the music. I hope that this work is performed by choruses across the country to encourage women and girls everywhere to aspire to a life of public service.”
– Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, Senator, and First Lady
“It was a treat to listen to all of the songs. . . .“
– Brooke Clement, Director, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
“Beautiful. . . I greatly enjoyed the music. I found ‘Freedom: Eleanor Roosevelt/ Hilary Rodham Clinton/ Betty Ford’ to be uplifting and lively, just as those three women were.”
– Nancy Roosevelt Ireland, Granddaughter of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt
“With extraordinary talent, Judith Clurman, David Chase and the entire Essential Voices USA team have crafted a moving tribute to the vision and words of women in Washington – lifting their voices and honoring their stories,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “What a privilege to be featured in this beautiful work alongside so many trailblazing leaders. The arts are a vital, bonding force like no other; when Americans can be inspired together by soaring music like Washington Women, it is easier to put aside our differences, find common ground and bring our nation closer together.”
– Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives
“Washington Women is an upbeat collection of choral songs that is wonderful to study and sing. It makes learning about these women meaningful for students.”
– Jerrod Mabry, Educator, New York City Department of Education
“Exquisite new album. . . . The album, which is available on all streaming platforms is an ideal pick-me up for anyone who feels deflated and defeated by political banter. It reaffirms civic pride, stirs patriotism, rewards our country’s accomplishments, and reveals bright possibilities when we adhere to our values. Yet it does so in a manner that is never nationalistic, only optimistic.”
– Manhattan Digest
“This recording is compelling and well worth listening to multiple times.”
– The Choral Journal
May You Heal
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Judith Clurman conductor
James Cunningham and Lee Musiker piano
Raman Ramakrishnan cello
I. May You Heal
music: Mark Sirett
text: Bruce L. Ruben
II. Dona Nobis Pacem
music: Katie Jenkins
text: liturgy
III. When Science Triumphs
music: David Chase
text: Drs. Anthony Fauci (COVID), Matilde Krim (AIDS), Jonas Salk (POLIO)
IV. Responsibility
music: Mark Sirett
text: Hillel the Elder
V. I Celebrate Myself
music: Bill Cutter
text: Walt Whitman
“Judith Clurman conducts her excellent Essential Voices USA with dignity and beauty in “May You Heal,” a collection of five newly commissioned choral works that offer music of comfort, peace, renewal and self-awareness. The fine singers of Essential Voices USA offer richly satisfying performances on each piece…”
Times Square Chronicles
“Now more than ever, our students and our singers of all ages need a place to go and a place where they can find safety and healing. After more than two years of quarantine, those of us who love and need the safety and community of a music organization yearn to return. The ‘May You Heal’ cycle from the Judith Clurman Choral Series allows and encourages us find this in the music.”
Scott Foss, Concert and Classical Choral Editor @Hal Leonard
AMERICA AT HEART
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Essential Voices USA
Judith Clurman Conductor
Randy Graff Vocal
Brian Stokes Mitchell Vocal
I Reason to be Thankful
Larry Hochman/Sheldon Harnick
Brian Stokes Mitchell, vocal
II Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor
Irving Berlin/Emma Lazarus
Randy Graff, vocal; Lee Musiker, piano; Raman Ramakrishnan, cello
III America the Beautiful
with Stephen Flaherty/Lynn Ahrens’s “WHEELS OF A DREAM”
Brian Stokes Mitchell, vocal; Tedd Firth, piano; Kathryn Anderson, violin; Angela Pickett, viola; Michael Dahlberg, cello; Steve Lyon, oboe; and Rheagan Noleen, french horn
“So wonderful to listen to this beautiful recording by Brian Stokes Mitchell, Randy Graff and Essential Voices USA, especially today on the Inauguration of our 46th President! Extraordinarily moving as our country enters this new age.”
– Stephen Flaherty, composer
WORDS MATTER
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Essential Voices USA
Judith Clurman Conductor
James Cunningham Piano, Track I, II
Daniel Miller Cello, Track II
I Testimony
Stephen Schwartz
II Who Would You Be
Shawn Crouch
“‘Testimony’ was written using interviews for the ‘It Gets Better’ project, but to me it has always had a broader implication, speaking for those who have experienced bullying or felt shame for who they are, whatever the reason. I have always hoped for a good SATB performance, and hearing the piece so beautifully sung by the EVUSA under the always impeccable direction of Judith Clurman is a real joy for me.”
– Stephen Schwartz
“Schwartz and Clurman know how to tell a story, and they work in vocal color like Da Vinci did in oils. Clurman and EVUSA are justifiably proud of this recording and plan to do anti-bullying workshops in New York City.”
– Q on Stage
WINTER HARMONIES
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Essential Voices USA
Judith Clurman, Conductor
Tessa Lark Violin, Track I
James Cunningham Piano, Track III, IV, V
Daniel Miller Cello, Track III
I Cradle Hymn
arr. David Chase
II Home
James Sizemore
III The First Noel
arr. David Chase
IV Eight Days of Lights
Judith Clurman and David Chase
V Everlasting Light
David Shire and Sheldon Harnick
“‘Winter Harmonies’ featuring Essential Voices USA is ESSENTIAL holiday music in my household… this year and moving forward! Brava to music director extraordinaire Judith Clurman and her GLORIOUS ensemble!”
– Frank DiLella, Spectrum News NY1
APPALACHIAN STORIES
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Essential Voices USA
Judith Clurman Conductor
Tessa Lark Violin
I. This Old Hammer
II. Pretty Saro
III. Down In A Coalmine
IV. Who Will Come and Go With Me
“I’ve long admired Judith Clurman and her superb ensemble of singers, Essential Voices USA. Now they’ve teamed up with the outstanding American violinist Tessa Lark, whose soulful fiddling adds a special touch to this beautiful song collection”
– Mindy Ratner, National Classical Music Host of Classical 24, American Public Media
“….this quartet of Appalachian folksongs arranged by David Chase and performed with robust poetic feeling by the Judith Clurman-led Essential Voices USA is hugely satisfying.”
– Choir and Organ
CRADLE HYMN
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Essential Voices USA
Judith Clurman Conductor
David Chase Arr.
Tessa Lark Violin
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REJOICE
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“The Festival of Lights of the Hanukkah season was celebrated by a lushly beautiful new composition by Judith Clurman with David Chase on “Eight Days of Light”…”
Essential Voices USA
Judith Clurman Conductor
James Cunningham piano
Daniel Miller cello, track III
Raman Ramakrishnan cello, track V
I Eight Days of Lights
Judith Clurman and David Chase
II Dayeinu
arr. Trude Rittmann
III Ki Hineih Kachomer
Judith Clurman, arr. Ryan Nowlin
IV Shlof Mayn Fegele
Mikhail Lermontov, arr. Ryan Nowlin
V Yeish Kochavim
Jonathan Tunick
VI Everlasting Light
David Shire
VII Songs of Peace: Hineih Ma Tov
Jeremiah Klarman, arr. David Chase
VIII Songs of Peace: Oseh Shalom
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SEASON OF LIGHT
LINKS FOR LISTENING
Essential Voices USA
Conductor Judith Clurman
Piano Lee Musiker
Producer David Frost
Sono Luminus SLE-7006
Release Date: November 18, 2016
- Season of Light (Hal Leonard)
Music & Lyrics Jacob Narverud - Grateful (Hal Leonard)
Music & Lyrics John Bucchino, arr. Ryan Nowlin - Carol of the Bells
Mykola Leontovich
English text & arr Peter J. Wilhousky - God Rest Ye Traditional (Hal Leonard)
English Carol, arr. David Chase - Ave Maria
Jean Mouton - The Chanukah Song (We Are Lights) (Hal Leonard)
Music Stephen Schwartz , Lyrics Steve Young, arr. Ryan Nowlin - A New Year Carol
Benjamin Britten/Lyrics Anon. - Auld Lang Syne (Hal Leonard)
Traditional Folk Song Lyrics Robert Burns , arr. Tedd Firth
“Season of Light illuminates the holiday season….Clurman takes great care to combine the more established works with modern programming. . . . Season of Light can be looked at as a companion album to Clurman’s CD Holiday Harmonies, an Essential Voices USA CD from last year with an equally beautiful collection of holiday choral pieces.”
-The Huffington Post
HOWARD SHORE: A PALACE UPON THE RUINS
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Essential Voices USA Youth Workshop
Conductor Judith Clurman
Organ Ben Hutto
HOWE Records
Release Date: November 14, 2016
Peace
Music Howard Shore
Lyrics Eleanor Roosevelt
In 2007 conductor/organist Benjamin Hutto asked me to conduct his choruses (The St. Albans School for Boys/the National Cathedral Schools for Girls) at their fund-raising concert at the National Cathedral. I asked him if he would commission a new work for the concert by composer Howard Shore, based on words of Eleanor Roosevelt. He agreed and Michael Kellogg and Lucy Pugh provided the funding for this project. I conducted the world premiere of “Peace” on November 16, 2007 at the National Cathedral. A few years later, my Essential Voices USA Youth Workshop recorded “Peace” at the National Cathedral, with Benjamin Hutto on the organ. Other artists on the recording include Lang Lang, the Kronos Quartet, and Jennifer Cano Johnson.
HOLIDAY HARMONIES: SONGS OF CHRISTMAS
LINKS FOR LISTENING
Essential Voices USA
Conductor Judith Clurman
Soloists Jamie Barton, Maureen McKay
Piano Tedd Firth
Harp Stacey Shames
Producer David Frost
Sono Luminus SLE-70003
Release Date: October 30, 2015
All first recordings:
- Angels We Have Heard on High (G. Schirmer)
Traditional French Carol, arr. David Chase - O Holy Night (G. Schirmer)
Adolphe Adam, arr. Ryan Nowlin - Silent Night (G. Schirmer)
Franz Xaver Gruber, arr. Tedd Firth and Judith Clurman - Love Came Down
Jennifer Higdon - The Virgin’s Slumber Song
Max Reger - Whispered and Revealed (G. Schirmer)
Nico Muhly - Merry Christmas Wishing Well (G. Schirmer)
Gene Gilroy, arr. Michael Gilbertson - We Wish You a Merry Christmas
adaptation Judith Clurman
“Judith Clurman has assembled a beautiful musical tapestry woven of superbly performed songs that will help create a memorable holiday season.”
– Broadway World
“The album is a Christmas essential. . . .a short, sweet, magical, and merry collection of Christmas carols…a lush musical tapestry of traditional Chrisitmas favorites punctuated by fresh new holiday carols by contemporary composers Jennifer Higdon, Nico Muhly, and Gene Gilroy. Plus sparkling new choral arrangements a(arr. David Chase, Judith Clurman, Tedd Firth) of each of the Christmas classics adds a dash of new-music magic to the mix of traditional carols.”
– Second Inversion
“Gorgeous Christmas Album. . . .”
– Stage Buddy
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this holiday album. It’s a magical mix of traditional heart-warming Christmas songs and some interesting new composers – like your favorite hot cider with some tasty new spices!”
– Jamie Barton, Mezzo Soprano
CHERISHED MOMENTS: SONGS OF THE JEWISH SPIRIT
LINKS FOR LISTENING
Essential Voices USA
Conductor Judith Clurman
Soloists Ron Raines, Bruce Ruben, Michael Slattery
Producer David Frost
Sono Luminus DSL-92182
Released October 28, 2014
Cherished Moments Recording Session (YouTube):
- Enosh
Louis Lewandowski
adapted by Larry Hochman - Oseh Shalom (Hal Leonard)
Debbie Friedman
arr. Sally Lamb McCune - Set Me As A Seal (G. Schirmer)
Nico Muhly - V’erastich Li (Transcontinental Music)
Ben Steinberg - M’Chalkeil Chayim (instrumental Interlude)
Solomon Braslavsky, arr. Bruce Ruben - Songs of Freedom: A Celebration of Chanukah (Schott Music)
Traditional Melodies
arr. Larry Hochman, Judith Clurman, Brian Stokes Mitchell
Orchestration (chamber) Larry Hochman - Tzadik Katamar (G. Schirmer)
Emanuel Kirschner, arr. Larry Hochman - Kadeish Urchatz (instrumental Interlude)
Babylonian Chant
instrumental interlude - Circle of Life (G. Schirmer)
Bruce Ruben, arr. Larry Hochman - Boruch Ate Zingt Der Tate (G. Schirmer)
Solomon Golub,carr. Zalmen Mlotek - Al Hanisim (G. Schirmer)
Paul Schoenfield - Meditation (G. Schirmer)
Larry Hochman - Shomeir Yisraeil (E. B. Marks Music)
Larry Hochman - Han’shama Lach (instrumental Interlude)
Traditional Melody, arr. Judith Clurman
“The mix of traditional songs in multiple moods and tones, handsomely sung with sweet yet profound emotions and gorgeously homogenous choral sound, offering a generous sample of the spirit Clurman is hoping to portray. . . . as a centerpiece, the Songs of Freedom cycle conjures the atmosphere of Chanukah celebrations with unique arrangements of tunes that Jewish children have sung for countless generations.”
– LA Opus
“Cherished Moments: Songs of the Jewish Spirit is both enjoyable and educational — a remarkable contribution.”
– Jonathan Sarna, Historian – Brandeis University
“This disc is a Hanukah gift that will keep on giving.”
– St Louise Dispatch
“It is a remarkable CD with performance that are exceedingly well done and the music of worth. . . the performances of each selection have to be recognized as the platinum standard with which other performances will have to be judged.”
–The Jewish Post and Opinion
“Stunning. . . .”
– Minnesota Public Radio
CELEBRATING THE AMERICAN SPIRIT
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Essential Voices USA
Conductor Judith Clurman
Soloists Kelli O’Hara, Ron Raines
Piano Tedd Firth, Larry Hochman
Producer David Frost
Sono Luminus DSL-9216
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Sample Audio – See online
- The Pledge of Allegiance (Hal Leonard)
Laurie Hochman, arr. Larry Hochman - The New Colossus (G. Schirmer)
David Ludwig - Reason to Be Thankful (Hal Leonard)
Larry Hochman/Sheldon Harnick - Hymn for America (Paulus Publications)
Stephen Paulus - Take Care of This House
Leonard Bernstein - Sing Out Mr. President (G. Schimer)
- Washington Round – Michael Gilbertson
- John Adams’ Prayer – Jake Heggie
- Opinion is Power (Jefferson) – Larry Hochman
- Round (Madison) – Milton Babbitt
- One Man With Courage Makes a Majority (Jackson) – Nico Muhly
- The Ballot is Stronger than the Bullet (Lincoln) – Jason Robert Brown
- A Theodore Roosevelt Round – Thomas Cabaniss
- I Believe in Democracy (Wilson) – Andrew Lippa
- Admonition of F.D.R. – Samuel Adler
- Truman – David Ludwig
- Eisenhower Canon – Paul Moravec
- Freedom’s Road (J.F.K.) – Robert Beaser
- Moral Courage (Reagan) – Jesse Weiner
- An Ode (Clinton) – Zachary Wadsworth
- A Simple Oath (G.W. Bush) – Nora-Kroll-Rosenbaum
- With Hope and Virtue (Obama) – Georgia Stitt
- It Gets Lonely in the White House
Irving Berlin - The Stars and Stripe Forever
John Philip Sousa - Two Paraphrases on American Anthems
Larry Hochman - A Seed of Grain: Theme from American President
Marc Shaiman, arr. Larry Hochman - A Quiet Moment (Lawdon Press)
Jennifer Higdon - American Dream (G. Schirmer)
Larry and Laurie Hochman - God Bless America
Irving Berlin
“A stunning journey of Americana, from new interpretations of familiar patriotic tunes to settings of lines from presidential speeches. . . .”
– The Huffington Post“Judith Clurman’s abundant creativity and profound patriotism are on display throughout the CD in its model of American musical diversity, which represents a call for action and a reason for hope during a time of political crisis and conflict.”
– Broadway World Classical“There are days when we need to hear the blend of voices lifted in praise of this country, and this is the music for those days to come when we need to make change together.”
– Q on StageTHE NEW YORK CONCERT SINGERS
DIVINE GRANDEUR
LINKS FOR LISTENING
The New York Concert Singers
Conductor Judith Clurman
Piano David Korevaar
Organ Keith S. Toth
Harp Susan Jolles
Tambura John Schlenck
New World Records 80504
Producer Elizabeth Ostrow
Release Date: October, 1997
- Eil Nora Alilah (Transcontinental)
Simon Sargon - Psalm 119
Robert Beaser - Thanksgiving Song (Theodore Presser)
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich - Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord (G. Schirmer)
Aaron Jay Kernis - Meditations of Li Po (Paulus Publications)
Stephen Paulus - Adonai Roi (G. Schirmer)
Judith Shatin - Psalm 150
Robert Beaser - A Simple Magnificat (Theodore Presser)
Ellen Taaffee Zwilich - Three Vedantic Hymns
John Schlenck
“Clurman’s singers offer brilliantly rich sound, fluent musicality and sophisticated wide-ranging expression. The term virtuoso would be no hyperbole.”
– The American Organist
THE MASK
LINKS FOR LISTENING
The New York Concert Singers
St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble
Conductor Judith Clurman
Piano Margaret Kampmeier
Guitar Benjamin Verdery
New World Records 80547-2
Producer Elizabeth Ostrow
Release Date: 1998
- Hymns from the Old South (H.W. Gray)
Virgil Thomson - The Mask (Edward B. Marks Music)
William Bolcom - Four Songs to Poems of Thomas Campion (Southern Music)
Virgil Thomson - Romancero Gitano, Op. 152 (Bote & Bock)
Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco
“The New York Concert Singers possesses a controlled blend and balance and a clarity of tone that is quite beautiful at all dynamic levels. Intonation and diction are superb. Because of the fine selection of works and excellent singing and interpretations of the choir, this disc is worth a place in the library of serious choral conductors. . . .”
– Choral Journal
A SEASON’S PROMISE
LINKS FOR LISTENING
The New York Concert Singers
St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble
Conductor Judith Clurman
Piano Margaret Kampmeier
Harp Susan Jolles
Oboe Melanie Feld
Viola Lois Martin
New World Records 80547-2
Producer Elizabeth Ostrow
Release Date: Fall, 2001
- Ave Maria (Boosey and Hawkes)
Wayne Oquin - When All Things Were In Quiet Silence (Boosey and Hawkes)
Ned Rorem - The Shepherds and the Kings (Shawnee Press)
Ruth Fox Hume and Paul Hume - Carol (“Neighbors on this frosty tide”) (Edward B. Marks)
Joan Morris and William Bolcom - Three Nativity Carols (Paulus Publications)
Stephen Paulus - Lo, The Messiah
Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco - O My Deir Hert (Subito Music)
Virgil Thomson - O Magnum Mysterium (Peermusic Classical)
Morten Lauridsen - Wishes and Candles (Paulus Publications)
Stephen Paulus - Sing Christmas! (Rassel Editions)
Philip Lasser - Deep in the Night (Lawdon Press)
Jennifer Higdon - Behold the Star (Boosey and Hawkes)
Thomas Cabaniss - A Season’s Promise (Boosey and Hawkes)
David Conner - All Together (G. Schirmer)
Lance Horne
“The real star of this release is Judith Clurman, a dynamic and powerful conductor who “plays” the New York Concert Singers as if they were the most delicate of harpsichord at times, the most rich and stately trumpet at others, always drawing out an appropriate sound for the music at hand. The group’s diction is impeccable, its ensemble flawless, and its tone uniformly rounded and elegant, never soupy, sloppy, or brash. These performances are thorough and dedicated, taking each piece seriously, giving each work its due.”
– Classics Today“Your CD is superb and the performance of O Magnum Mysterium stunningly beautiful.”
– Morten Lauridsen, Composer
AMY BEACH: CABILDO/SONGS
The New York Concert Singers
Soprano Lauren Flanigan
Tenor Anthony Dean Griffey
Tenor Paul Groves
Cello Carter Brey
Piano Christopher O’Riley
Delos DE3170/Release Date: August 18, 1995
- Cabildo (opera)
OTHER RECORDINGS
IN MOTION
Inura with Son Sonora Voices
Judith conducted the professional vocal ensemble with Dance Brazil for a recording of ensemble work by Tania Léon.
Albany Records B005VGX2UI/Release Date: October 1, 2011
This CD was nominated for Latin and American Grammy Awards.
THE BUCKET LIST SOUNDTRACK
The Clurman Singers
Piano Marc Shaiman
Conductor Judith Clurman
Varese Sarabande 030206687729/Release Date: January 15, 2008
- Theme from the American President