Norwegian-born composer and pianist Ola Gjeilo will be in residence with the Thomas Circle Singers, Washington, DC, from May 20-22, 2016.
Ola Gjeilo is one of the most frequently performed composers in the choral world. An accomplished pianist, improvisations over his own published choral pieces have become a trademark of his collaborations across the world. Although Norwegian by birth, it is perhaps Ola’s adopted country of America that has influenced the composer’s distinctive soundworld the most, evolving a style that is both contemporary and familiar; thick harmonies and rich textures recall film score – music that forms a major part of the composer’s inspiration.
Ola’s albums include Ola Gjeilo on the Decca Classics label, a portrait of his choral and piano works featuring Tenebrae and Voces8. His debut recording as a composer and pianist, the lyrical crossover album Stone Rose, was followed by its sequel, Piano Improvisations. Phoenix Chorale’s bestselling Northern Lights collection of Ola’s choral music was named iTunes Best Classical Vocal Album of 2012. All four recordings are available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and Spotify.
Gjeilo’s choral music has also been recorded by several notable ensembles such as the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, The Choir of Royal Holloway, the Flemish Radio Choir, and Voces8. In 2015, the Choir of King’s College Cambridge performed Ola’s Serenity (O Magnum Mysterium) at the annual BBC-televised Christmas Eve service.
The Thomas Circle Singers is proud to announce the following two events, both held at National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20005
CHORAL WORKSHOP WITH OLA GJEILO– SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2016 from 10:00-1:00
Choral directors, composers and singers alike will want to attend this special event, which includes TCS Artistic Director James Kreger leading an extended reading session of compositions by Ola Gjeilo with the composer at the piano. Gjeilo’s music is performed around the world, and he is currently composer-in-residence with Voices8.
Washington Men’s Camerata Music Director Frank Albinder will lead a Q&A with Gjeilo on his life and music, his composition techniques and practices, and his current projects. The registration fee includes refreshments and a packet of music provided by The Musical Source. Sponsored by the Thomas Circle Singers and the DC/MD American Choral Directors Association, with support from Hal Leonard Corporation and Walton Music Publishers. $25 in advance; $30 at the door; $10 for students.
40th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT – Sunday, May 22 at 4:00
The Thomas Circle Singers will feature music of four composers – two American and two Norwegian – who are all younger than TCS. The concert will feature the world premiere of “A New Earth” by Ola Gjeilo, an extended work for chorus, piano, strings, and flute commissioned by TCS in 2014 to commemorate James Kreger’s 25 years with TCS. Mr. Gjeilo will also perform this and other works of his. Also included will be music by Blake Henson, Daniel Elder and Kim André Arnesen.
Advance tickets are $25/Adults and $20/Students and Seniors. Ticket proceeds benefit N Street Village
For more information, to register for the workshop or to reserve concert tickets, please visit us at thomascirclesingers.org
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