” The selections on this recording offer a taste of some of the colourful and stylistically diverse types of music that embody the spirit of exploration and eclecticism shared by the opening and closing decades – ‘bookends in time’ – of this most remarkable century.”
– Liner Notes
“Described after their first recital in 1997 as ‘two packages of musical dynamite that would credit any stage on the planet’ (The Chronicle-Herold, Halifax), Duo Concertante has quickly gained recognition for performance marked with brilliance, passion, subtlety and superb musicianship. The teamwork of violinist Nancy Dahn and pianist Timothy Steeves has garnered such critical praise as: ‘truly stunning’ (The Waterloo Gazette), ‘plenty of technique put entirely to the service of the music’ (The New York Concert Review), and ‘one flawlessly harmonius musical package’ (The Mail Star, Halifax). ”
– Liner Notes
An album comprised of Newfoundland tunes, featuring some great local musicians.
Performers:
Cheryl Hickman – Vocals
Anne Devine – Guitar, Piano, Bass, Background Vocals
Graham Wells – Tin Whistle, accordion, bodhran
Jonathon Monroe – Piano
Mark Fewer – Violin
Theo Webber – Cello
Jim Fidler – Octave Mandolin, Bodhran, Extra Percussion
Pieces for four hands by John Beckwith, Gary Kulesha, Clifford Crawley, Michael Conway Baker and Leonard Bernstein.
“George Morgan is a composer, drummer, percussionist, producer, and pianist who enjoys an active and varied career in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Alison Black occupies the positions of Concertmaster of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, Concertmaster of the Newfoundland Sinfonia and First Violinist of the Atlantic String Quartet. Their piano/violin duo, featuring the award winning compositions of George Morgan, has been described as bittersweet, beautiful, intense and excruciating. Their recording ‘Knockturns’ was released in November 2007.”
“This recording initially grew out of Duo Concertante’s need for a few encore-type pieces which featured both instruments in an equally prominent way. When we approached Clifford Crawley about arranging some materials for us we suggested some of our favourite opera arias, jazz tunes, and orchestral pieces. He, in turn, had other great ideas and for the next year created the 14 arrangements that comprise this disc. We are indebted to his great skill, enthusiasm, and generous spirit. The title of the disc should really be ‘It Takes Three’.”
– Liner Notes
“The program is a selection of vocal repertoire with both piano and chamber ensemble accompaniments that centers on the whimsical and lyric voice of the soprano, featuring John Greer and Clifford Crawley as compatible creative spirits in the current world of Canadian music. On this disc, John greer performs the roles of composer, pianist and lover of contemporary Canadian music.”
– Liner Notes
Performers:
Jane Leibel – Soprano
John Greer – Piano
Vernon Regehr – Cello
Sean Rice – Clarinet
Michelle Cheramy – Flute and Piccollo
Frank Fusari – Bass
Rob Power – Percussion
“Some of Queen’s stardust is sprinkled on this album. As the Helsinki-based vocal ensemble Rajaton joins forces with violinist/conductor Jaakko Kuusisto and the Lahti Symphony Orchestra in interpreting songs like ‘Bicycle Race’, weird and wonderful things happen. With voices to fill stadiums just like Queen did in its heyday, the leading Finnish a cappella group meets the tunes on its own terms. And in the experimental spirit of Queen itself, Kuusisto and his team looks at the harmonic possibilities provided by the band’s oeuvre from totally new angles. Rajaton was founded in 1997, and the compatibility with Jaakko Kuusisto and his team was tested with the 2006 album ‘Rajaton Sings ABBA with Lahti Symphony Orchestra’. The Queen cornucopia has spawned many a tribute album and hundreds of cover versions all over the world. But seldom has the music of May and Mercury come as vibrantly alive as on this offering.”
– Liner Notes
“Vocal ensemble Rajaton and Lahti Symphony Orchestra joined their forces to recreate enriched versions of legendary ABBA hits. The resulting concert program ‘Thank You For the Music’ has already been performed in several completely sold out concerts in Finland and the USA. This album shows that there is always a demand for these unforgettable songs – especially when they are performed with this amount of touching excellency and musical efficiency.”
– Liner Notes
Rajaton is an exceptional vocal sextet from Finland who have made their mark in the international acapella scene. They sing in English and in Finnish. They are frequent guests of the Festival 500 International Choral Festival in St. John’s, Newfoundland where, since 2001, they have wowed audiences at their concerts and earned the admiration and friendship of visiting choirs at their workshops.
Their name Rajaton, which means “boundless”, refers to the breadth of styles of the music they perform. We think it also describes their ability, imagination and ability.
“Celebrate the Christmas season with the fabulous Finnish sextet, Rajaton. The a-cappella group formed back in 1997 and has gone on to record several albums. All singers are classically trained and their voices fuse together effortlessly on their latest Christmas album, Jouluyo. Known for their eclectic mix of musical genres, Rajaton delivers a wide range of classic and traditional Christmas songs. On this joyous Rajaton album, there is something for everyone”
– www.finnstyle.com
Rajaton is an exceptional vocal sextet from Finland who have made their mark in the international acapella scene. They sing in English and in Finnish. They are frequent guests of the Festival 500 International Choral Festival in St. John’s, Newfoundland where, since 2001, they have wowed audiences at their concerts and earned the admiration and friendship of visiting choirs at their workshops.
Their name Rajaton, which means “boundless”, refers to the breadth of styles of the music they perform. We think it also describes their ability, imagination and ability.
