25 by 25 June 19, 2010

The 25 singers of San Francisco Choral Artists, under the direction of Magen Solomon, celebrate their 25th anniversary with a selection of World Premieres. "Helping composers achieve publication-and reach a wider audience-is part of our mission to foster new choral repertoire," says Artistic Director Magen Solomon. Throughout her 15 years with the Choral Artists, Dr. Solomon has vitalized the Bay Area Music scene with noteworthy new music, by actively forging connections between living composers, performers, and audience, premiering more than 125 works with her fine a cappella ensemble. With their upcoming program, the 25 acclaimed singers celebrate their unique relationship with new music, featuring a stunning selection of past premieres, and four sparkling new works. The concert features compositions from Bay Area luminaries Ted Allen, Herb Bielawa, Paul Crabtree, Robin Estrada, Kirke Mechem, and Henry Mollicone, and winners of the Choral Artists' New Voices contest for composers under age 30.

Known for their superb programming, recently praised by composer Henry Mollicone as "Programs like great musical meals ... many courses that form a satisfying whole," the Choral Artists specialize in a cappella music. Over the past 25 years, they have premiered over 160 choral works, performed by invitation at three conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, and released three CDs. The fine ensemble has been acclaimed "...amongst the foremost unaccompanied singing groups... on this or any other coast" (artssf.com), and has been described as "a Bay Area treasure" by composer Kirke Mechem, and "the choral composer's dream choir" by composer Ted Allen.

The Choral Artists have partnered to bring new music to young people through programs at the UC Berkeley New Music Project, SF Conservatory of Music, De Anza College, and the San Joaquin Office of Education. In May 2011, the Choral Artists will be performing and recording with The Alexander String Quartet.

Official Website: http://www.sfca.org