Out Of The Ashes
Navona, 2024
8/10
Under the conducting of David Holdhusen, The University Of South Dakota Chamber Singers deliver adored choral works with a fresh coat of paint on them.
“Dies Irae”, by Michael John Trotta, starts the listen with the harmonic and fluid voices allowing for dreamy moments, and Carlos Cordero’s “Holding Our Breath” follows with much beauty emanating from the soaring vocals in often minimal moments.
Further along, “Ave Maria” showcases Marty Balmer, Nathan Kraayenbrink and Brian Shirley’s pipes via the emotive solos thanks to the Franz Biebl composition, while Jacob Narverud’s “Healing Heart” emits a spiritual aspect amid the meticulous singing from the ensemble.
Landing near to the end, “Ain’t That Good News” features solos from Denisse Balandran, Jacob Olson, KJ Phillips and Bekah Bahn that showcase bright storytelling, and “I’ll Fly Away” exits with the choir blending their voices with so much precision and warmth.
A listen that seeks to send comfort and reassurance after times of hardship, The Chamber Singers breathe new life into luminous songs of the choral repertoire with profound care.
Travels well with: Heidi Radtke- Convergence: Music For Saxophone & Fixed Media; Richard Crosby- By The Waters Of Memory