Houston Chamber Choir Signed to Signum Classics Record Label

Houston Chamber Choir has just been signed to Signum Classics, a highly prestigious British record label which will release the company's fifth CD in April 2019 featuring the complete choral works of 20th century French composer Maurice Duruflé with renowned organist Ken Cowan of Rice University. Signum Classics is one of the United Kingdom's leading independent classical labels and home to diverse and eclectic repertoire by some of the finest artists and singers from around the world.

"Signum Classics is a premiere English label with a roster of choral artists including The King's Singers, Voces8 and The Swingle Singers," says Robert Simpson, Artistic Director and founder of Houston Chamber Choir in 1995. "It is a thrill for all of us to have been selected by them to join this company."

The Houston Chamber Choir continues to be recognized for its outstanding work. Earlier this year, the organization received the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America, the advocacy, research and leadership development organization that advances the choral field. This award is presented annually to a member chorus that demonstrates artistic excellence, a strong organizational structure and a commitment to outreach, education, and/or culturally diverse activities. Additionally, the Choir received The American Prize for best choral performance in the country, and Simpson took home the award in the conducting category in 2015.

Featured on the Houston Chamber Choir's new CD are:

Requiem

Ken Cowan, organ (Professor of Organ at The Shepherd School, Rice University)

Norman Fischer, cello (Professor of Cello at The Shepherd School, Rice University)

Cecilia Duarte, mezzo-soprano

Eduardo Tercero, baritone

Messe "Cum Jubilo" (men's voice)

Ken Cowan, organ

Notre Père (a cappella)

Quatre Motets (a cappella)

Ubi caritas

Tota pulchra es

Tu es Petrus

Tantum ergo

"The musicians are on cloud nine knowing that Signum Classics will be the label for their stunning recording of the choral works of Maurice Duruflé with the amazing Ken Cowan," says Mariam Khalili, Managing Director for Houston Chamber Choir. "This was a unique project where all the pieces fell together beautifully, including the opportunity to record the music of Duruflé in Rice University's Edythe Bates Old Recital Hall on the Fisk/Rosales organ, specifically designed to reflect the tonal characteristics valued in France in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries."

"It's really a dream come true for the Houston Chamber Choir, and we are all so thankful to the generous benefactors who made this entire recording project possible," Khalili continues. "I think this album will bring even more notoriety and exposure to the world-class artists who live and work in Houston, and we couldn't be happier."

Houston Chamber Choir opened its 23rd season on Sept. 29 with "This Is Why I Sing." The next concert is "The Joint is Jumpin': Big Band Favorites" on Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre, billed as "The greatest music of the Greatest Generation."

The evening will include songs such as The Andrews Sisters' "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," Fats Waller's "The Joint is Jumpin'" and Duke Ellington's "Take the A Train." As with all concerts at Miller Outdoor Theatre, this will be free and open to the public, with ample free seating on the hill and around the park. Tickets for free assigned seating under the canopy can be acquired by visiting the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the event.

For more information about Houston Chamber Choir or to purchase tickets for concerts, visit us at houstonchamberchoir.org.

Photos courtesy of Houston Chamber Choir

To post a comment, you must register and login.