Williamson Voices
Encyclopedia
The Westminster Williamson Voices is a highly select ensemble that emphasizes in choral music both old and new. It is named for Westminster Choir College
's founder, John Finley Williamson
, who believed that choral music performed at the highest level should be accessible to all. The Choir is directed by conductor, pedagogue, and writer Dr.James Jordan
The repertoire and performances of the Westminster Williamson Voices cover a broad spectrum, with special emphasis upon music commissioned for the choir. The choir has had music written for it by a vast number of composers including Morten Lauridsen
and James Whitbourn
. Artistic collaborations with other art forms-- dance, theater, and the visual arts--are at the core of the performances of this ensemble. The ensemble presents artistic repertoire of both traditional and non-traditional genres, tailored to establishing high standards of performance in choirs in churches, schools and universities.
Williamson Voices' 2010 - 2011 season included concerts in Princeton and at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center, New York City. Collaborations in both this season and past have included performances with Daniel Stewart and members of the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, and Rossen Milanov with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra.
In September, 2011, Williamson Voices' recording of music by James Whitbourn, produced by the composer, will be released on Naxos.
. The teaching and learning of literature for performance utilize contemporary ensemble methods involving groundbreaking Aural Immersion Solfege and movement pedagogy emphasizing both the philosophies of Dalcroze and Laban
. The ensemble also explores new avenues for the art of choral accompanying. The accompanist for the Westminster Williamson Voices assumes a new role, becoming the keystone for aural training for the choir. Consequently, its members gain valuable pedagogical tools to use in their life’s work as teachers and professional choral singers. The choir, in addition to being an artistic performing ensemble, is available to serve as an ensemble-in-residence in schools, churches, universities and professional conferences throughout the United States
.
Westminster Choir College
Westminster Choir College is a residential college of music, part of Rider University, located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States.Westminster Choir College educates men and women at the undergraduate and graduate levels for musical careers in music education, voice performance, piano...
's founder, John Finley Williamson
John Finley Williamson
John Finley Williamson was the founder of Westminster Choir and co-founder of Westminster Choir College. He is considered to be one of the most influential choral conductors of the twentieth century...
, who believed that choral music performed at the highest level should be accessible to all. The Choir is directed by conductor, pedagogue, and writer Dr.James Jordan
James Jordan (conductor)
Dr. James Jordan is a writer, conductor, and professor at Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey where he is currently the Senior Conductor and directs the select touring ensemble Williamson Voices and the Sophomore choir, Schola Cantorum...
The repertoire and performances of the Westminster Williamson Voices cover a broad spectrum, with special emphasis upon music commissioned for the choir. The choir has had music written for it by a vast number of composers including Morten Lauridsen
Morten Lauridsen
Morten Johannes Lauridsen is an American composer. He was composer-in-residence of the Los Angeles Master Chorale and has been a professor of composition at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music for more than 30 years.-Biography:Lauridsen was born February 27, 1943, in...
and James Whitbourn
James Whitbourn
- Biography :James Whitbourn was born in Kent and educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was a choral scholar and gained a degree in Music. His international reputation as a composer for concert hall and screen, developed from his early career as a programme maker at the BBC, during which...
. Artistic collaborations with other art forms-- dance, theater, and the visual arts--are at the core of the performances of this ensemble. The ensemble presents artistic repertoire of both traditional and non-traditional genres, tailored to establishing high standards of performance in choirs in churches, schools and universities.
Williamson Voices' 2010 - 2011 season included concerts in Princeton and at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center, New York City. Collaborations in both this season and past have included performances with Daniel Stewart and members of the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, and Rossen Milanov with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra.
In September, 2011, Williamson Voices' recording of music by James Whitbourn, produced by the composer, will be released on Naxos.
Pedagogical Significance
The Westminster Williamson Voices serves as a living choral laboratory. Its primary musical mission is to explore new methods of teaching and rehearsing and to be at the forefront of choral education pedagogyPedagogy
Pedagogy is the study of being a teacher or the process of teaching. The term generally refers to strategies of instruction, or a style of instruction....
. The teaching and learning of literature for performance utilize contemporary ensemble methods involving groundbreaking Aural Immersion Solfege and movement pedagogy emphasizing both the philosophies of Dalcroze and Laban
Laban
Laban may refer to:* Laban , a character in the Book of Genesis.* Laban , a character in The Book of Mormon.* Laban , a 1980s Eurodance duo....
. The ensemble also explores new avenues for the art of choral accompanying. The accompanist for the Westminster Williamson Voices assumes a new role, becoming the keystone for aural training for the choir. Consequently, its members gain valuable pedagogical tools to use in their life’s work as teachers and professional choral singers. The choir, in addition to being an artistic performing ensemble, is available to serve as an ensemble-in-residence in schools, churches, universities and professional conferences throughout the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Williamson Voices' 2010 - 2011 Performance Season
| Performance | Date & Location |
|---|---|
| Gloria! - Featuring the Westminster Williamson Voices and Schola Cantorum | November 5th, 2010 - 8 p.m. - Bristol Chapel *SOLD OUT* |
| Women of the Westminster Williamson Voices and the Princeton Symphony Orchestra | November 14th, 2010 - 8 p.m. - Alexander Hall, Princeton University |
| Williamson Voices at Lincoln Center | March 28th, 2011 - 8 p.m. - Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center |