Music plays an integral role in Jewish worship. The songs on this album are selected from the traditional liturgy of the important Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Baritone Stephen Kalm gives nuanced renditions, with collaborative artist Douglas Cleveland playing piano. Flute, violin, cello, vocal soloists, and the University of Montana Chamber Chorale join throughout this exceptional release.

The award-winning East Carolina University Chamber Singers, under the direction of James Franklin, perform a nuanced musical meditation of hopeful celebration and comfort. The album represents a journey through a period of silence; isolation gives way to the sounds of voices singing.

Discover all of Hazel's story in this dynamic documentary release! The iconic Hazel Wright Organ of Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, is the world’s most widely heard pipe organ and the fifth largest. First built in 1982 and heard worldwide by millions on the Rev. Robert Schuller’s “Hour of Power” broadcast from the former Crystal Cathedral, Hazel now enjoys a renewed musical life following her full restoration in 2022 by the Diocese of Orange. Hazel is an icon of the musical world with a unique history. This is her story.

Emma Whitten performs on the re-envisioned and restored Hazel Wright Organ in Christ Cathedral’s fresh acoustical space. “Every time I play The Hazel Wright Organ, I discover something new - it is truly a joy to play! I’m thrilled that the music on this recording showcases the entire instrument, from exquisite solo colors to the breathtaking power of full organ.”

Emma Whitten is an accomplished organist specializing in early Baroque and contemporary repertoire. Dr. Whitten serves as Associate Organist at Christ Cathedral (formerly Crystal Cathedral) in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange County, California. As Associate Organist, Emma plays for major liturgies at the Cathedral and accompanies the Diocesan Choir. Emma also acts as Music Coordinator at the historic Church of the Immaculate Conception in San Diego, and maintains a private teaching studio in Oceanside, California. Emma holds degrees in organ performance from the University of Notre Dame (2009), University of Kansas (2011), and Arizona State University (2014), where she received her D.M.A. studying with Kimberly Marshall.

Few pipe organs in history have received as much attention as the iconic “Hazel.” David Ball’s performance takes full advantage of this “King of Instruments’” potential. “It is always an honor to sit in front of Hazel’s console and play,” said David Ball, Cathedral Organist and Head of Music Ministry. “I am continuously in awe of the sheer power and breadth of this amazing instrument.” Juilliard-trained organist David L. Ball serves as Cathedral Organist and Head of Music Ministry at Christ Cathedral in the Diocese of Orange, California (formerly Crystal Cathedral).

David is a recognized and well-lauded performer—The New York Times declared his appearance in Juilliard’s FOCUS! Festival “a rousing performance.” David completed both the Bachelor and Master of Music at The Juilliard School in New York City, studying under Mr. Paul Jacobs. As Christ Cathedral Organist, David’s musical contributions underpin the Cathedral’s vast array of weekly services and events, accompanying the Diocesan, Cathedral, and Children’s Choirs and supporting the parish’s diverse congregation.

The present release features new commissions based on familiar tunes and other premiere performances make this fifth volume a delightful and entertaining addition to the unique repertoire of organ music for two. America’s celebrated duo organists, Elizabeth and Raymond Chenault, have made a significant contribution to organ repertoire by commissioning, arranging, premiering and recording over 70 organ duets. For their renowned artistry they have indisputably earned the title “The World’s Premiere Duo-Organ Team.” The Cathedral’s organ was designed, built, and installed in 1962 as the Aeolian-Skinner Opus1399. In 1992, after significant acoustical renovations to the Cathedral nave, the organ was re-voiced by John Hendrickson, who previously had worked for Aeolian-Skinner, and had helped to install the Cathedral’s organ. In the mid-1990s, a Tuba stop was added to the Solo division by Austin Organs, Inc. In 2011, anew console was designed, built, and installed by Schoenstein and Co., to replace the original console of 1962.

A New England Requiem joins traditional Latin mass text and poems by Dickinson, Hawthorne, Longfellow, and Sigourney. Additional works by Perkins set familiar sacred texts in a cappella and orchestral arrangements. Composer and Connecticut native Scott Perkins enjoys a multifaceted career as composer, scholar and professor. He received his PhD in composition from the Eastman School of Music, he is currently Assistant Professor of Music at California State University, Sacramento. “Perfectly Orchestrated… Haunting… A remarkable and welcome musical surprise.” (Washington Times)

Arrangements of five Shaker songs by Kevin Siegfried provide the structure for this album of 20th and 21st century choral works. The texts for this program explore themes of peace, a parent’s love, and awe in God’s creation, concluding with two motets for Advent and Christmas. This extraordinary choir is directed by Deanna Joseph and recorded in the warm acoustics of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta. The internationally award-winning Georgia State University Singers is the School of Music’s premier vocal ensemble. In May of 2017, the University Singers won first place in the renowned Marktoberdorf International Chamber Choir Competition. “…the choir sings with great musicality, excellent intonation, clear diction, and a healthy and beautiful pallet of tone colors…” (The Choral Scholar)

In this live recording- the second in The Dale Warland Live series- selected works of two 20th century composers, one British and the other American, are performed with exquisite choral acumen. The program consists of Benjamin Britten’s acclaimed ‘A Ceremony of Carols’ and Daniel Pinkham’s ‘Christmas Cantata’ with brass and organ. In addition, Pinkham’s rarely performed ‘Company at the Creche’ is included with four other Christmas works. The distinguished career of choral composer and conductor Dale Warland spans more than six decades and has made a profound contribution to the music of our time. As conductor, composer and founder of the Grammy-nominated Dale Warland Singers, he is one of only three choral conductors inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame.

July 17, 2019, marks the date Christ Cathedral (formerly the Crystal Cathedral) is dedicated to be the liturgical and artistic center for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange. The music for that service is presented here, which includes many original works commissioned for the occasion. Dr. John A. Romeri is the Director of Music and Organist for Christ Cathedral, Los Angeles. He is the conductor of the newly-formed Cathedral Choir, Vietnamese Cathedral Choir, Diocesan Children’s Choir, and the Diocesan Adult Choir. Dr. Romeri earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Organ Performance, Magna cum Laude, from the Conservatory of Music, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, and a Master of Sacred Music degree from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey. Juilliard-trained organist David L. Ball serves as organist and assistant director of music at Christ Cathedral. David completed both the Bachelor and Master of Music at The Juilliard School in New York City, studying under Mr. Paul Jacobs. He was recently named one of The Diapason’s 20 under 30.

O Beauty Ever Ancient Ever New surveys the historical canon of chants, modes, texts, and textures. Composer, choral director and organ soloist James Buonemani’s early interest in composition has evolved into a focus on directing and composing music exclusively for the church. The Choir of St. James is made up of amateur and professional adult musicians from the Los Angeles metropolitan area. (Gothic)

Following the success of her first recording at Grace Cathedral, Susan Jane Matthews presents another recital program on Grace's vintage "American Classic" Aeolian-Skinner organ. Susan Jan eMatthews reveals the extraordinary tonal resources of this historic instrument, set in an acoustic room with powerful bass and long reverberation. "Opus 910 has a sound like no other and produces effects that are magical - hard to describe and impossible to imitate." (Jack M. Bethards, Schoenstein & Co. Curators) Former Principal Organist of Grace Cathedral, Susan Jane Matthews has also concertized widely and been featured on Pipedreams, The Organ Loft, and With Heart and Voice radio programs. As Director of Music at St. paul's Episcopal Church in Burlingame, CA., she is organist, Director of the Chancel Choir, and Founding Director of the St. Paul's Choir School for Boys and Girls. This is her second recording for Gothic Records.

Ross Lee Finney’s Psalm pieces are contemporary settings of the Ainsworth Psalter- an inspirational collection of hymns that was carried by the pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620. Finney wrote of this collection: “These melodies are among America’s greatest folk heritage, influencing sacred singing through each singing.” Andrew Clark is the Director of Choral Activities and Senior Lecturer on Music at Harvard University. He also serves as Music Director and Conductor of the Harvard Glee Club, the Radcliffe Choral Society, and the Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Museum. He has long been praised by critics for his ensembles’ outstanding performances. The Boston Globe called his choirs “first rate,” Opera News said his ensembles were “beautifully blended,” and the Worcester Telegram wrote that his performances achieve “passion, conviction, adrenaline, and coherence.”

This program honors those who have served in the armed forces of the United States of America. “The Call”, which was commissioned by the choir, is by Dave Metzger, widely known for his many arrangements and orchestrations for films such as Training Day, August Rush, Frozen and the Broadway production of The Lion King--for which he won a Tony Award. (Gothic)

Includes hymn(s) by various composers. Ensembles: National Cathedral Choral Society Washington, D.C., Washington Ringing Society. Conductor: J. Reilly Lewis. Soloists: Eric Plutz, Edward M. Nassor, Rachel Barham, James Shaffran, John G. Sprague.