Chorus Angelicus

Chorus Angelicus (translates from Latin to "The Angelic Choir") is composed of approximately 60 children ages 5 to 18 who travel to Torrington, Connecticut, from 25 towns and cities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. It was founded by Grammy-winner Paul Halley in 1991.

Students attend one or two weekly rehearsals, depending on their level of ability, and receive training in the art of singing, reading music, choral technique, and music theory. The parent organization, Joyful Noise, Inc., administers these choirs as well as a 40-member adult professional-semi-professional group, Gaudeamus.

Most children come to Chorus Angelicus with an ordinary background in music. Any child who loves to sing may enter one of the two Training Choirs, for which there is no audition. More advanced young singers audition for a place in the Junior or Senior Choirs of Chorus Angelicus. What makes all of them extraordinary in the end is their hard work, commitment, and passion for music. They become highly accomplished musicians, learning to sing rhythmically, harmoniously, and purely, then blending their voices with others to create the unique sound that is Chorus Angelicus. Along the way, they learn self-respect, discipline, confidence, and a willingness to strive for results of the highest caliber in all aspects of their lives.

The aforementioned "unique sound" of Chorus Angelicus has not just been praised by the New York Times but by many other sources and individuals as well. Diane Smith, the well-known author of books such as Letters from Yellowstone, states not only that Joyful Noise's Christmas series, Christmas Angelicus, is "chosen for their aesthetic and acoustic beauty," but that a music critic said their self, "This is as close to hearing angels sing as we are likely to get in this life." (A Connecticut Christmas) [1]

The Choirs

Chorus Angelicus consists of four choirs.

The Training Choirs, directed by Karen Sovak, were formed in 1998 to address the growing need for quality ear and vocal training among younger singers. No audition is required. They boast about 30 members, and perform concerts throughout the year for parents and friends. The Training Choirs consist of two groups: The Training Choir and the Advanced Training Choir. Many members of the Training Choirs go on to audition for Chorus Angelicus.

The Junior Choir of Chorus Angelicus provides rigorous training for children above the Training Choirs' level. They move to the Senior Choir as their skills progress. The Junior Choir is directed by Laurie Ellington.

The Senior Choir of Chorus Angelicus, directed by Gabriel Löfvall, is the main performing chorus. These youngsters rehearse three or more hours each week, and perform frequently. They are known for the pure quality of their sound, described by the New York Times "almost as a resonating glass of water." A few choristers who are elected by their peers and/or their director as Choral Scholars serve as mentors and role models for the rest of the choir.

The opportunity to achieve an even higher level exists in the form of the adult chamber chorus, Gaudeamus. Some choral scholars are invited to sing with both Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus, other singers may return later to join this exceptional ensemble. In several concerts each year Chorus Angelicus combines with Gaudeamus to perform major works.

The team

The Artistic Director of Joyful Noise and the conductor of Chorus Angelicus is Gabriel Löfvall. The Junior Choir director is Laurie Ellington. The Training Choir director is Karen Sovak. The administrative staff includes Sarah Eyre and Jessica Villar. Board Chair is Paul Blackman.

Discography
Year Title Featuring
2013 Chakana Angelicus Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus

Directed by Gabriel Löfvall
2006 What Child is This? Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus

Directed by Paul Halley
2001 A Christmas Peace Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus

Directed by Paul Halley
2000 Untraveled Worlds Chorus Angelicus

Directed by Paul Halley
1996 Wondrous Love Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus
with the Battell Brass

Directed by Paul Halley
1995 Christmas Angelicus Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus

Directed by Paul Halley
1994 Voices of Light Chorus Angelicus

Directed by Paul Halley

Program

Chorus Angelicus annually presents four main programs: a fall 'Investiture' concert; Christmas Angelicus (5 concerts of this program are given in December in as many locations throughout Connecticut); spring 'Masterworks' concert with orchestra; and an 'All-Choirs' concert celebrating the end of choir season. Additionally, the Training choirs perform Winter and Spring Concerts that are free to the public.

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References
  1. Smith, Diane. A Connecticut Christmas. Giulford; Globe Pequot Press, 2011. Print.
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