Masterpieces in Miniature: Exploring and Singing Short, Modern Choral Works for the Church Year

Richard Coffey

Thursday, June 23, 9 AM

The presentation is composed of an array of short mixed-choir sacred choral works that the participants will have in hand for examination, discussion, and singing. These are arranged thematically according to the church year, from Advent through Pentecost, and represent some of the best work of modern composers, including a number of Americans. The session will reveal to organists, conductors, and singers some exceptionally meritorious choral works that have come to light in recent years. The poetry and prose from a number of contemporary writers are included. Traditional scriptural and liturgical texts will have a place as well. For each piece, information will be offered as to its origins, performance context, musical and textual observations, and occasional anecdotal references. The selected pieces should serve as useful and inspirational resources for choirs of modest means while also satisfying those who represent choirs of larger numbers or of more substantial capacity.

Richard Coffey is the Minister of Music at South Church, New Britain, Connecticut, and is the Music Director of the 180-voice Hartford Chorale whom he led on a 2014 tour of France, performing in Chartres Cathedral and in Eglise St. Etienne-du-Mont. He has been named Choral Director of the Year by the ACDA, has received a Major Achievement Award from the Hartford Symphony, and is a recipient of the Alfred Nash Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 he stepped down as Artistic Director of CONCORA (Connecticut Choral Artists) and has been named its Artistic Director Emeritus.  

Download the handout for this workshop here.