Melissa Dunphy's American DREAMers was commissioned by Philadelphia community choir PhilHarmonia (Mitos Andaya Hart, Director) to bring to light the stories of immigrants in the wake of anti-immigrant rhetoric during and after the 2016 election. Five texts from five young Americans who were brought to America as children were chosen—Marlene Rangel, Javier Zamora, Janine Joseph, Julia Montejo, and Claudia D. Hernández—and those texts were woven into a multi-movement work that honors their story and inspires hope, empathy, and action. (Note by Melissa Dunphy)
Recorded in concert on October 20, 2019
Melissa Dunphy (b. 1980): American DREAMers
Marlene Part 1
Dancing in Buses
Marlene Part 2
More milk, more milk makes it better
Marlene Part 3
#UndocuJoy
Marlene Part 4
#UnitedWeDream
Timothy Takach takes a surprise turn as guest host, turning the tables on The Singers’ Artistic Director (and usual host) Matthew Culloton. The two discuss Culloton’s musical upbringing, the role of arts and this choir in today’s society, the risks of programming new music, and The Singers’ upcoming concert season. Featuring performances of music by Abbie Betinis, Morten Lauridsen, and Ysaye Barnwell. ...
Gratitude, Thanksgiving, and The Singers are celebrated by Artistic Director Matthew Culloton and soprano Hannah Armstrong. The Singers’ Vault is relocated to their living room, where they offer their selection of favorites – reminding us all of how much we have to be thankful for, even in these difficult times. Kevin Siegfried: More Love Stephen Paulus: Hymn for America Matthew Culloton, arr.: Down in the River to Pray René Clausen: The Road Not Taken Jocelyn Hagen: Now Our Meeting’s Over Abbie Betinis: Long Time Trav’ling Shawn Kirchner, arr: Angel Band Unclouded Day Shawn Kirchner, arr: Unclouded Day The Singers; Matthew Culloton, Artistic Director Stephen Swanson, piano (Siegfried, Clausen) All tracks recorded live in concert, except Hagen and Betinis ...
Matthew Culloton and soprano Paige Armstrong reflect on the music of Herbert Howells and Kenneth Leighton, as well as on the Christmas season itself. This episode is drawn from the 2014 What Sweeter Music concerts, and includes a tribute from Matthew to composer and friend Stephen Paulus (whose passing came 6 weeks before this concert was given). Program repertoire includes: J.P. Sweelinck: Hodie Christus natus est Herbert Howells: A Spotless Rose Kenneth Leighton: Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny Child Stephen Paulus: Splendid Jewel Stephen Paulus, arr.: Joy to the World Matthew Culloton, arr.: Angels We Have Heard on High All music recorded live in concert and performed by The Singers, Matthew Culloton, conductor. Learn more at www.singersmca.org. ...
