In the third chapter of his book How We Got To Now: Six Innovations that Made the Modern World, Steven Johnson discusses the history of sound production and amplification. He begins by talking about the limestone caves surrounding Paris, France that are home to a number of ancient paintings. Thanks to the work of music ethnographer Iegor Reznikoff in the 1990’s, we understand these paintings are placed in the most “acoustically interesting parts of the cave.” Reznikoff believes these areas were reserved for ritualistic singing and chanting; his hypothesis is perfect.
Music is a part of every culture, but what is more breathtaking (pun intended), is that music has always been expressed through the human voice. We have a primal connection to singing. It is for this reason I am so excited and honored to announce that I have been asked to direct Merula Swedish Choir in Chicago. I am so honored to work with such incredible humans and devoted musicians. This ambitious group is putting together an exciting concert to premiere this May (more details on dates soon).
Merula Choir's spring concert will musically map the journey of Syrian refugees to Sweden. Through interlacing folk songs, compositions by a variety of composers including J.S. Bach, Karin Rehnqvist, Kodàly Zoltàn, Clint Needham and more, as well as poetry and monologues from 9 different countries, we will open a tiny window into the world Syrian refugees experience as they flee their homeland in search of a better future.
Rehearsal begins today, and there is so much exciting and rewarding work ahead. Stay tuned!
UPDATE: Concert date is June 5th at the Swedish American Museum in Andersonville, Chicago, IL
Music is a part of every culture, but what is more breathtaking (pun intended), is that music has always been expressed through the human voice. We have a primal connection to singing. It is for this reason I am so excited and honored to announce that I have been asked to direct Merula Swedish Choir in Chicago. I am so honored to work with such incredible humans and devoted musicians. This ambitious group is putting together an exciting concert to premiere this May (more details on dates soon).
Merula Choir's spring concert will musically map the journey of Syrian refugees to Sweden. Through interlacing folk songs, compositions by a variety of composers including J.S. Bach, Karin Rehnqvist, Kodàly Zoltàn, Clint Needham and more, as well as poetry and monologues from 9 different countries, we will open a tiny window into the world Syrian refugees experience as they flee their homeland in search of a better future.
Rehearsal begins today, and there is so much exciting and rewarding work ahead. Stay tuned!
UPDATE: Concert date is June 5th at the Swedish American Museum in Andersonville, Chicago, IL
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