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News Archives 2007-2008 |
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YPC Divisions compete in international competitions
July is an eventful month for the Young People’s Chorus of New York City. In addition to the national telecast of From the Top at Carnegie Hall, three of the chorus’s five divisions are competing in international choral competitions and performances in Europe and Canada.
This month Mr. Núñez takes the Concert Chorus and Young Men’s Division to the World Choir Olympics in Graz, Austria, where the two divisions will defend the gold medals they won in the 2004 Choir Olympics in Bremen, Germany. Following the Olympics, they will travel to Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague where the two YPC divisions will sing in the 2008 Rhapsody Music Festival.
In North America, YPC Associate Conductor Elizabeth Núñez and the Cantare Division of the YPC, are heading Powell River, British Columbia for the International Kathaumixw Festival and Competition, hoping to repeat the YPC’s gold medal-winning performances of 2002.
Transient Glory Concert a success!
A full house of buzzing audience members happily anticipated the Young People’s Chorus of New York City’s Transient Glory VII concert at the Miller Theater on Sunday afternoon, April 27. They already knew the program and knew the names of the composers, but the compositions were all premieres, so no one yet knew what surprises Francisco Núñez and the chorus had in store for them this time.
Terrence McKnight, fresh from Atlanta and the new host of WNYC’s Evening Music program, spoke with each of the composers for some insight into their compositions, even Joan Tower, one of the most successful woman composers of all time, who could not be in the theater because she had just broken her knee. Through the magic of technology, she spoke to Mr. McKnight and the audience about Can I, her very first choral work, through a connection on Mr. Núñez’s laptop.
The music that afternoon—The Song I Sing by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty; Every Stop on the F Train by composer Michael Gordon in collaboration with filmmaker Bill Morrison; Semaphore Conductus by Bora Yoon who joined the chorus in its performance; Joan Tower’s Can I; Fortune by Douglas J. Cuomo; and Warabe-Uta, by Japanese composer Ko Matsushita in his U.S. debut—won cheers and a standing ovation from the delighted and appreciative audience.
New York Times Transient glory Preview - April 25
"Most composers lust after commissions from orchestras, opera companies and string quartets. Fewer have children’s choirs high on their wish lists. But Francisco J. Núñez hopes to change that with his remarkable Young People’s Chorus of New York City, above, and its Transient Glory series, which continues on Sunday at the Miller Theater."
Transient Glory VII - April 27 at the Miller Theater
You thought last year’s Transient Glory program was pushing the envelope? Wait until this year! Douglas J. Cuomo’s Fortune is based on an ancient Taoist tale that will have the chorus members accompanying themselves on homemade percussion instruments.
Just as interesting is Bora Yoon’s Conductus Semaphore. Bora Yoon is also a performance artist and will actually perform this piece with the chorus, but her description is very mysterious. She describes Conductus Semaphore as “a choral sound installation sung in surround, inspired by the conduction of energy, the language of signals, and sound. The surround choir with thereminist Elizabeth Brown, create a stereophonic performance piece, incorporating altered early music techniques of Latin conductus through hocket, vintriloquated double choir, and antiphonal calls through the history and evolution of signaling and sound devices.”
And remember Michael Gordon’s “Every Stop on the F Train”? Well, it returns this year, but with a film component by Michael Gordon’s film collaborator Bill Morrison. Their recent collaboration called Dystopia performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic in January was huge success. The LA Times called it “dazzling.”
NY Daily News Article - 4/12/08
"Pope Benedict will be serenaded during his Mass at Yankee Stadium by some of the sweetest voices in New York.
The Young People's Chorus, which brings together teenage singers from every corner of the city, was picked to perform inspirational songs for the pontiff and a huge crowd at the Stadium.
"Singing has changed my life," said Althea John, 15, of Brooklyn. "To get to sing in front of the Pope means so much to me."
Audiophile reviews Transient Glory II CD
"Don’t let the fact that this is a young person’s chorus turn you off to this remarkable recital. As you can see in the heading, the composer list is quite formidable, and this album contains some incredible music that is rendered with love and highly competent execution. " -- Steven Ritter, Audiophile
read the full article on our Transient Glory CD page...
Buy Transient Glory II from our store.
YPC Sings for the Pope
The Young People’s Chorus of New York City will have the honor of singing for Pope Benedict XVI on his first trip to the United States as Pope. On Sunday, April 20, the third day of his New York City visit, the chorus will sing at a huge outdoor Mass at Yankee Stadium. For updates on the Pope’s visit, go to http://www.ny-archdiocese.org/
YPC on TV!
The Young People’s Chorus of New York City will be featured on “From the Top: Live from Carnegie Hall", the new TV series based on the popular NPR radio program hosted by Christopher O’Riley that showcases the talents and the offbeat stories about America’s best classical musicians…like the members of the Young People’s Chorus. “From the Top” will tape the program at Carnegie Hall the middle of March. Afterwards, check our Web site for the air date.
New YPC CD released!
Works by Dominick Argento, Geoffrey Burgon, David Del Tredici, Tod Machover, Bright Sheng, Judith Weir, and Others are Included on this Vital Records CD
On January 8, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City (YPC) and its Artistic Director and Conductor Francisco J. Núñez release their second recording of new works commissioned and premiered as part of their Transient Glory concert series. Entitled Transient Glory II, this recording on the Vital Records label comprises 11 compositions that were commissioned by or for the Young People’s Chorus of New York City from Dominick Argento (Orpheus), Geoffrey Burgon (Shirtless Stephen—and the Children’s Crusade), David Del Tredici (Four Heartfelt Anthems), Kevin James (NYC Play Ground), ), Benjamin Lees (The Nervous Family), Tod Machover (I Dreamt a Dream), Michael Nyman (A Child View of Colour), Jim Papoulis (Panta Rhei), Bright Sheng (The Boatmen’s Song), Nils Vigeland (Miracles), and Judith Weir (Little Tree). Most of these composers had never before written for a children’s chorus.
or Buy through ITunes (requires ITunes software installed on your computer)
YPC Sells Out Carnegie Hall
The Young People’s Chorus of New York City, initially founded by Artistic Director Francisco J. Nunez in 1988, celebrated their 10th anniversary as an independent chorus with a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall in October.
YPC Ensures its Legacy
One hundred thousand dollars of the proceeds from the Carnegie Hall gala in October was matched by a generous $200,000 gift from the Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust towards the establishment of an endowment to ensure the future of the Young People’s Chorus in perpetuity, with special emphasis on scholarships for underprivileged children and music commissions.
YPC Continues to Grow
Young People’s Chorus of New York City now comprises five divisions. Just added is the Cantare Division. The chorus’ after-school program now numbers 300 young people from ages 7 to 18 in the Prelude Division (7-10-year-olds), Intermezzo Division (10-15-year-olds), Cantare Division (advanced 11-16-year-olds), Concert Chorus (12-18-year-olds), and Young Men’s Chorus (males 13-18 whose voices have changed).
YPC Tapped by Neil Young
Listen for the Young People’s Chorus of New York City singing The Way on Neil Young’s acclaimed new recording, Chrome Dreams II.
Satellite Schools "When You Believe" Concert, 6/21
CHILDREN FROM “YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHORUS OF NEW YORK CITY” SATELLITE SCHOOLS IN MANHATTAN, BRONX, AND BROOKLYN TO BE FEATURED IN FREE CONCERT AT THE 92ND STREET Y SATURDAY, JUNE 21
The award-winning Young People’s Chorus of New York City (YPC) will shine the spotlight on the children who participate in the chorus’s Satellite program in Manhattan, Bronx, and Brooklyn schools in “When You Believe,” the fifth annual Satellite Schools concert, to take place at the 92nd Street Y on Saturday, June 21, at 4 p.m.
The children from PS 1 (Chinatown), PS 75 (Upper West Side), PS 130 (Chinatown), PS 161 (Harlem), PS 268 (Crown Heights, Brooklyn), MS 269: Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists (South Bronx), HS 515: Lower East Side Preparatory School (Lower East Side) have been practicing throughout the school year for this special concert. Groups of students from each school will sing individually in programs that include songs in many languages, such as Hebrew, Spanish, and Chinese, embracing Broadway, Classical, Latin, Jazz, Folk, and Gaelic styles. All of the children will come together at the concert’s end to raise their voices in Breakin’ Free from “High School Musical” and the YPC anthem by Jim Papoulis, Give us Hope.
“When you Believe” takes place at the 92nd Street Y (at Lexington Avenue) on Saturday, June 21, at 4 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
The YPC’s Satellite program provides each school with a YPC-trained music educator/choral conductor skilled in the organization’s performance-based curriculum and a professional pianist/accompanist. The conductors meet with the children once or twice each week and are taught to read and write music, learn interpretative disciplines and healthy vocal skills, and to sing in unison and in two- and three-part harmony.
The annual Satellite concert at the 92nd Street Y is the high point of each year for these children, but in addition, the Satellite choruses are all prepared to perform at in-school assemblies and events throughout the year. Moreover, they are often invited to participate in YPC performances, which this past October included the YPC’s sold-out 10th anniversary concert at Carnegie Hall.
Conducting the Satellite School choruses are Sophia Miller (P.S. 268 and Bronx Studio School), Amy Kotsonis (P.S. 1, 75, and 161); and Elizabeth Nunez (P.S. 130).
YPC Spring Concert, June 7th
Come hear what the New York Times calls, "Luminous...Radiant...Musically Excellent"
The Young People's Chorus of New York City
Spring Celebration: A Family Concert
Saturday, June 7th at 7:00pm
92nd Street Y Kaufmann Concert Hall
(92nd Street at Lexington Avenue)
Usher in Summer with all 300 choristers age 7-18 as they perform songs from classical to Broadway, folk to jazz in this annual spring concert. Members of your family will leave singing these unforgettable songs which feature the versatility, style, and energy of the YPC.
For tickets, please call the 92nd Street Y Box Office: 212-415-5500
YPC Annual Winter Concert 12/22 @ 7pm
Come hear what critics are raving about as all five YPC divisions take the stage to celebrate the season in song! This festive family program will include much-loved traditional, holiday music which embraces many cultures, nationalities and faiths.
YPC Winter Concert
Saturday, Dec 22 @ 7pm
92nd Street Y, Kaufmann Concert Hall
Call 212-415-5500 for tickets!
Featuring all five choral divisions.
Conductors:
Concert Chorus - Francisco Nunez
Cantare - Elizabeth Nunez
Intermezzo - Amy Kotsonis
Young Men - John Pamintuan
Prelude - Elizabeth Nunez and Sophia Miller
Pianists: Jon Holden, Ju-Ping Song
YPC Performance at Victor Hugo, 12/11/07
The Young People's Chorus of New York City will be performing at the Victor Hugo Fundraiser on Tuesday, December 11th. Join us from 5:30-8:30 pm at
Victor Hugo
520 Madison Ave.
For an entire week shop at Victor Hugo with Invitation or an In-store promotional card. 10% of your purchase will benefit the YPC.
Shaping Lives Through Music
Mark your calendars. The award-winning Young People's Chorus of New York City (YPC) and its artistic director and founder Francisco J. Núñez are celebrating their 10th anniversary as an independent chorus with a joyous benefit concert taking place at Carnegie Hall Monday, October 22 at 7 p.m.
Read more about the star-studded cast, as well on information on how to get tickets!
"The September Concert: An Evening of Remembrance and Celebration"
On the sixth anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Young People's Chorus of New York City (YPC) under its artistic director Francisco J. Núñez will join the New York Choral Society and the Cathedral Choir of St. Patrick's in "The September Concert: An Evening of Remembrance and Celebration" at St. Patrick's Cathedral (Fifth Avenue and 50 th Street) on Tuesday, September 11, at 7 p.m. The chorus will sing four inspirational works-Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine, Stephen Hatfield's Heaven Bound Train, Jim Papoulis's Stand Together, and Kadiq by Francisco J. Núñez-and to close the concert will join the New York Choral Society conducted by the NYCS conductor John Daly Goodwin in singing the moving and uplifting Freedom Trilogy by composer Paul Halley.
"The September Concert" at St. Patrick's Cathedral is free and open to the public. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m. This concert is being presented by the September Concert Foundation.
"The September Concert" is a series of free musical events held on September 11th with the goal of uniting people around the globe through the power of music. All are welcome to attend and to participate in bringing communities together and reaffirming our hope for peace with concerts organized throughout New York City, the United States and worldwide. For more information on the September Concert Foundation and to find a concert near you, please visit www.septemberconcert.org .
Tuesday, September 11, at 7 p.m.
St. Patrick's Cathedral ( Fifth Avenue and 50 th Street )
Young People's Chorus of New York City
New York Choral Society
Cathedral Chorus of St. Patrick's
David Ralph, piano
Greg Landes, percussion
New York Times Review, 9/13/07
Singing to Raise a Day's Spirit
People mattered more than music at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday. The sixth September Concert noting the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, shared in spirit with thousands of similar commemorations around the world, offered three choruses and plain-spoken music. Msgr. Robert T. Ritchie spoke briefly at the beginning and end.
Read the full article at NYTimes.com
YPC featured in Gramophone Article, August 2007
The recent Bang on a Can marathon concert was written up in Gramophone magazine. Download a pdf version of the article here to read all about the 26-hour-long concert and all the performers, including The Young People's Chorus of New York City!
NY Post Feature - "Chorus Line: Working to Build Harmony"
by Rita Delfiner
August 3, 2007 -- Get ready to sing "Happy Birthday" to Francisco Nuñez's Young People's Chorus of New York City.
Nuñez, who two years ago won a Liberty "Ambassador" Medal for founding the choir with the goal of making it as multicultural as the city, will celebrate its 10th anniversary as an independent chorus this October with a gala concert at Carnegie Hall.
"My dream was to bring children of diverse backgrounds together because there are so many kids that can relate to music," said Nuñez, the artistic director. "The dream has come true."
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