With generous local support, Bucks County-based male a cappella group Cordus Mundi has announced the Cordus Mundi Commission Fund, an ambitious project designed to add several pieces of new music to the male choral repertoire. Over a ten year period, Cordus Mundi plans to commission and perform five new choral pieces, composed especially for the group.
Contracts have been signed for the first two commissions from the Commission Fund. The series will begin with a piece for the 2017-2018 season from venerated composer & arranger Alice Parker. A new composition from internationally acclaimed modern composer Ola Gjeilo is scheduled for the 2019 – 2020 season.
Seed funding for the Cordus Mundi Commission Fund comes as the result of a partnership between Cordus Mundi and the Andersen family of Bucks County. “The musical appreciation and generosity of the Andersen family will enable us to get the commissioning project off the ground and flying,” notes Rick Rosen, the group’s artistic director. “As we expand beyond the first couple of commissions, we’ll be looking to expand the supporter base for the project – the idea is to just keep commissioning and introducing new music into the ongoing future.”
Cordus Mundi began life in Bucks County, PA in January, 2005 with a compliment of nine voices. In Cordus’ first decade, the group has continued to grow while giving concerts and performances throughout a several county-wide area. In their first decade, Cordus Mundi has worked with composer Morten Lauridsen, performed frequently with guest conductor and mentor Dr. David Fryling of Hofstra University, participated in a concert/concert CD project with WWFM radio, and recorded a live performance CD.
The seventeen-man group draws its singing repertoire from a wide range of composers and styles encompassing the 12th – 21st centuries. Cordus Mundi music ranges from Dunstable to Durufle, from Byrd to Bernstein, from Perotin to Paranjoti, from Brahms to the Beatles, and from Jacob Handl to Edie Hill. The group sings four primary concerts per season, with additional performances scheduled throughout the year.
“We’re thrilled to be starting our commissioning venture with pieces from two major composers,” notes Cordus Mundi board chairman Dennis Walsh.” The Fund is off to a great start and we’re pleased and proud to be making important contributions to the male a cappella repertoire.”
To contribute to the Commission Fund, for concert tickets, or for more information, contact Cordus Mundi @ 650.219.2748, online @ www.cordusmundi.com or on Facebook.
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