Blake Morgan’s musical arrangements embody the essence of what it means to “imagine again or anew.” Together with host, Diane Orlofsky, learn how Morgan works in this unique creative space when he conceives his arrangements. This episode features Morgan’s arrangement of the iconic “Hushabye Mountain” (performed by the King’s Singers) and his settin…

This is the first of two episodes with composer/arranger/singer, Blake Morgan, hosted by Diane Orlofsky. Morgan’s music crosses genres and has been performed by Take Six, the King's Singers, Manhattan Transfer, Conspirare, and many others. A gifted singer, Blake is now a member of Voces8, whose performances we often feature on this podcast. In this…

In this episode, co-hosts Diane Orlofsky and Scott Sexton speak with two creatives connected to the recording project Awaiting Golden Light (performed by Connecticut-based Voices of Concinnity). First, composer Cheryl B. Engelhardt (whose composition, “The Breadth of Blossoms” was featured on the album) relates the fascinating story behind this cap…

In this episode of InChoir, co-hosts Diane Orlofsky and Scott Sexton speak with Canadian composer, Katerina Gimon, about her choral composition “she was wilderness” (performed by the Vancouver Chamber Choir). Join us as we explore Gimon’s music which has been called eclectic and dynamic. Learn how she draws from many musical styles and takes the li…

In this InChoir episode, host Diane Orlofsky talks to composer/arranger/singer, Greg Jasperse, who is also the Director of Vocal Jazz at Western Michigan University. Together they explore the stories behind his choral arrangement of the seasonal favorite, “Lo, how a Rose E’er Blooming,” (performed by members of the WMU Chorale) as well as his origi…

On this episode of InChoir, co-hosts Diane Orlofsky and Scott Sexton speak with Canadian composer and educator, Sarah Quartel, about her fresh and exciting approach to choral music. Quartel believes that choral music is all about relationships, connections, storytelling, and honoring all voices, including the audience members who hear her music. We…

On this episode of InChoir, we talk to two composers about the intersection of choral music and the human experience of grief and loss. Dr. Terre Johnson, is Chair of the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music at Georgia Southern University. Johnson’s career has included conducting every kind of choir, from church music to professional conducting t…

In this episode of InChoir, we talk with composer Christopher Tin and naturalist Scott Weidensaul about the intersection of music, art, and conservation. Christopher Tin's The Lost Birds is sung by the preeminent British vocal ensemble VOCES8, accompanied by Tin's longtime collaborators, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Christopher Ti…

In this episode of InChoir, we talk with composer Eric William Barnum about music and memories of home. Eric Barnum is an internationally known conductor and composer who has received numerous awards and grants and has held residencies all over the world. He is currently the Director of Choirs at Drake University. His piece, A Thousand Red Birds, r…

There is something magical about the first creations of a young artist! In this inaugural episode of InChoir, we talk with composer Alex Berko about artistic beginnings and his six-movement composition, Sacred Place. Berko’s choral music is featured on two GRAMMY®-nominated albums, Conspirare’s “House of Belonging” which contains Sacred Place and T…