This has been a long time coming. For the past several years I’ve mused about forming an interfaith vocal ensemble, but it never seemed to be the right time.   Now it is.   Feel free to join me. We already have rehearsal spac...

This is the story of a woman Feeling old and weary and dreaming of the past she had, wondering where those good years have gone. Here, our lovely singers have made it into a conversation – a shared experienced between the women. It’s been beautifully arra...  moreThis is the story of a woman Feeling old and weary and dreaming of the past she had, wondering where those good years have gone. Here, our lovely singers have made it into a conversation – a shared experienced between the women. It’s been beautifully arranged by Moira Smiley and Vida, but was written by John Prine, a Chicago folk musician. There are two new singers in this ensemble: Rosi, a deep dark bass, standing back left, and Marie, sitting at the front right with the cowboy hat on. Both singers have been a wonderful addition to our choir. Adele in the rocking chair, Annabelle standing right, and Katherine with baby Erin (who LOVES harmony!) complete the group, all of which you have seen many times in concert! We love the song and hope you do too. With this song, we are raising money for a charity close to our hearts, Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton. Throughout both lockdowns they have had a huge number of call outs, as more people have been exploring the moors and getting into difficulties. As...    less

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Have you ever been swept along by the enthusiasm of a singing session only to Feel drained at the end or with a sore throat and aching legs?   ...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Many of us are wary of attending singing workshops or choirs when we Feel that people will be a lot more experienced than us. This is particularly t...

As one of the main goals of present activity the youth choir Mūza sets the discover of new, interesting ways of expression in the music for itself and persons who Feel the same way. In new season the choir continues to make up steps towards new artistic a...  moreAs one of the main goals of present activity the youth choir Mūza sets the discover of new, interesting ways of expression in the music for itself and persons who Feel the same way. In new season the choir continues to make up steps towards new artistic activities. The main activities of the choir are finding the new ways to music, its expresion and presenting new ideas, cooperation with composers and many professional musicians. Now, the choir Mūza is making a new image and wants to show multiplicity of the choir music. In its programs the choir performes modern music and a big part is left of Latvian classical music as well as traditional Latvian folk-music. The choir Mūza was established in 1947. Its founder and leader through out many years has been maestro Leonids Vigners (1906-2001). In 1999 the choir transferred into new direction and it became a youth choir. From 2006 the artistic director and the main conductor is Guntis Cimiņš.  less

Regarded as one of the finest masterpieces of all Western Music, this passion setting brings to music the text of Matthew 26 and 27 concerning the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The evangelist tells the story, arias convey the inner Feelings of us h...  moreRegarded as one of the finest masterpieces of all Western Music, this passion setting brings to music the text of Matthew 26 and 27 concerning the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The evangelist tells the story, arias convey the inner Feelings of us humans as we gaze upon the Golgotha scene and choruses and chorales reflect on our own place in the drama. Bach's incredible work of art stands alone in its complete telling of the crucifixion story in a manner which stirs and moves the soul of the performer and listener. This is a mountaintop experience not to be missed.  less

Please excuse the shameless self-promotion, but a piece I wrote about the science of singing came out in Slate today. I worked very hard to convey a lot—the joy, the science—in the most succinct way possible, and okay, I'm proud of the result!...

Regarded as one of the finest masterpieces of all Western Music, this passion setting brings to music the text of Matthew 26 and 27 concerning the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The evangelist tells the story, arias convey the inner Feelings of us h...  moreRegarded as one of the finest masterpieces of all Western Music, this passion setting brings to music the text of Matthew 26 and 27 concerning the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The evangelist tells the story, arias convey the inner Feelings of us humans as we gaze upon the Golgotha scene and choruses and chorales reflect on our own place in the drama. Bach's incredible work of art stands alone in its complete telling of the crucifixion story in a manner which stirs and moves the soul of the performer and listener. This is a mountaintop experience not to be missed.  less

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Staring at a blank page waiting for the muse to strike. Slumped in a chair waiting to Feel energised enough to go jogging. Feeling down and the last ...

Poem by Filippo Sirotti (b.1967) In the time that doesn't want to pass, in my heart I Feel a strength that pushes me to say: "us" And when the sun has gone, I look for you in the sky among the other stars. As my soul is with you in the sweet n...  morePoem by Filippo Sirotti (b.1967) In the time that doesn't want to pass, in my heart I Feel a strength that pushes me to say: "us" And when the sun has gone, I look for you in the sky among the other stars. As my soul is with you in the sweet night, and Feels happy waiting for you, because nowhere is far. Recorded by Matthew Curtis (ChoralTracks). To learn more about the composer, visit his personal Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/joshuabhimes