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Works of international composers to premiere at Fourth Festival of Universal Sacred Music in Manhattan, April 24-25, 2010
by Irene Maslowski for Vocal Area Network
Posted April 17, 2010

Roger Davidson, president and founder of The Society for Universal Sacred MusicThe Society for Universal Sacred Music (www.universalsacredmusic.org) will present the works of thirteen international artists whose works will premier at the Society's Fourth Festival of Universal Sacred Music April 24-25, 2010 in New York City. The compositions were selected from an international competition that featured submissions from more than 260 composers of many nationalities including the United States, Sweden, France, Italy, New Zealand, Turkey, the Ukraine, Switzerland, Greece, Hong Kong and the Czech Republic.

According to the Society's Artistic Director, Harold Rosenbaum, "Music is a great transmitter of spiritual energy, and the caliber of pieces selected for this year's competition not only reflect the mission of the Society, but also the commitment of choral composers throughout the world to combine uplifting and profound texts to glorious music." The two choral concerts in the Festival will feature more than a dozen choral works that give credence to the many different styles, both tonal and atonal, that composers all over the world are immersed in today as well as in recent times. The concerts will feature mixed choir, women's choir, children's choir, a cappella music, and works with up to 10 instruments. Director Rosenbaum notes, "There is something here for everyone to enjoy!"

Composers include Miguel Chuaqui, USA (Salmo 139); Gerald Cohen, USA (The Ocean of Peace Lies Ahead of Me); Malcolm Dalglish, USA (Throw the Window Open/Lay Me Low/Dappled Things); Ulrika Emanuelsson, Sweden (Manniska - Human Being); Mark Kilstofte, USA (Peace); Massimo Lauricella, Italy (Lux Aeterna); Kurt Leland, USA (Three Poems from das Stundenbuch); Joshua Shank, USA (Musica Animam Tangens); Suleyman Tarman, Turkey (DUA - Pray for Peace); Dale Trumbore, USA (Est Autem Fides Credere); Anne-Marie Turcotte, Italy (Jubilate Deo); Michael Wiener, Switzerland (Major autem ex his est caritas).

A new highlight to the 2010 Festival is "Be United, All Humanity," a concert featuring jazz, Calypso, gospel and Brazilian music that will take place on Sunday, April 25, when composer/pianist, and president of The Society for Universal Sacred Music Roger Davidson (www.rogerdavidsonmusic.net) will be joined by a talented and acclaimed group of musicians who will showcase original works that are sure to have the audience tapping their feet and singing along. Performing alongside Mr. Davidson will be renowned jazz and blues singer--and lead vocalist for the event--Catherine Russell (www.catherinerussell.net).  Ms. Russell has been a hit at such major events as the Chicago Blues Festival and the Tanglewood Jazz Festival, has appeared on nationally syndicated shows on PBS-TV and NPR, and her performances and recordings have been reviewed by critics from The Wall Street Journal, the Boston Herald and the Chicago Sun Times. Pablo Aslan, artistic director for the concert, is an Argentine bassist who directs Avantango (www.avantango.com), a tango-jazz ensemble featuring Argentine musicians and dancers, and has performed and recorded with such greats as Yo Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, Shakira, among many others. Adding their own brand of talent to the mix will be Luiz Simas (www.luizsimas.com), a pianist/composer who has performed at Carnegie Hall, the consulate of Poland and the Birdland Jazz Club; and trumpeter Frank London (www.franklondon.com), who has been acclaimed for his compositions in Klezmer music as well as his performances.

The Fourth Festival of Universal Sacred Music will take place the evening of Saturday evening, April 24, 2010, at 8:00 PM, on Sunday afternoon, April 25 at 3:00 PM and Sunday evening, April 25 at 7:30 PM, at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. For further information, visit www.universalsacredmusic.org. To order tickets, visit www.merkinconcerthall.org or call 212-501-3330. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Amnesty International USA.


Irene Maslowski handles publicity for the Festival of Universal Sacred Music.


Content Contact: Irene Maslowski.
Revision Date: September 27, 2010.
Technical Contact: Steve Friedman.

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