Tour pictures and Reviews

The University Choir’s CD, Music of Amy Beach and Randall Thompson Receives Critical Raves!

We are delighted at the many appreciative reviews so far received of the University Choir’s latest CD, Music of Amy Beach and Randall Thompson, our first release on the English ASV label, recorded in June 2001 at London’s historic Temple Church. BBC Music Magazine (November 2002) awarded the disc no less than four stars, describing the Choir’s performances as “…Precise in tuning and attack, and blended to a creamy smoothness.” Also from Britain, the reviewer in Choir and Organ magazine (November 2002) wrote: “The singers of the Harvard University Choir are effective advocates on this disc for the music of two composers who were associated with the University … A fascinating and very enjoyable recording.” The prestigious Gramophone Magazine (November 2002) also praised the choir’s blend, fine soloists, and the organ accompaniments by Organ Scholar Erica Johnson.

In this country, Fanfare Magazine (October 2002) wrote: “The Harvard University Choir is hardly an unknown quantity in choral music. Its intonation, refined sense of dynamics, and extraordinary sectional balance, as in Randall Thompson’s beautiful Alleluia creates a clear, chamber-like intimacy, which is perfectly suited to these works. …Recommended, both for general quality, and as a seasonally suitable gift”, while The American Record Guide (November 2002) said, “It is fitting that the Harvard University
Choir should perform a program of Mrs. H.H.A. Beach, America’s first significant woman composer, and Randall Thompson, one of America’s most beloved choral composers…. The Harvard University Choir is a superior student chorus, [with] a nice transparent sound…fine diction and firm intonation…. This is an interesting and rewarding release; skillfully executed.” The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians (October 2002) called the release a “…superb disc” and said, “…the choir has an admirable range of dynamics and tone colors; they catch the spirit of these large and small works with finesse…the reproduction is faithful and delightful.”

The Choir Beyond the Gates

The University Choir also performs regularly outside the gates of Harvard University itself. In 1999 the Sunday Choir toured England and Scandinavia where they performed for enthusiastic audiences and recorded the Amy Beach and Randall Thompson CD discussed earlier. Since then the Choral Fellows have toured each Spring to locals such as the Spoleto Festival in South Carolina, Montreal, and San Francisco. Currently, plans are being made for another Sunday Choir tour in the near future.