PureVolume

In 2005, to celebrate the group's 25th anniversary, many of the singers in Harmonium were asked to describe what it feels like when they sing. Their answers were fused into a poem by Jabez Van Cleef. Edie Hill, a Minneapolis composer, was commissioned to set the poem for the chorus: in the first track, you can hear "There Is No Age."

Then hear three tracks from "The Cantata of the Animals," commissioned by Harmonium Choral Society in 1996 and performed by prestigious groups including Westminster Choir College, Tokyo Voices, and the Yale Camarata. Music is by Elliott Z. Levine, poems by Jabez L. Van Cleef, sung by Harmonium and directed by Dr. Anne Matlack.

"There Is No Age" was recorded at a premiere performance in June, 2005, which was later featured in a report on NPR's "All Things Considered." Click this link to hear the NPR report:

HARMONIUM ON NPR


HARMONIUM CHORAL SOCIETY

Who we are : our mission

The mission of Harmonium is to perform a diverse repertoire of both standard and uncommon choral music at a high artistic level. Through concerts, education and outreach, we seek to increase appreciation of the Choral Art in the community. We aim to create a challenging and enjoyable environment where excellence can flourish. We encourage high school membership in the chorus, and we sponsor a unique annual high school choral composition contest.

Why we're unique

While our mission statement speaks of high standards, an environment where excellence can flourish, education and community outreach, we never forget that we sing because we enjoy it. Harmonium is collaborative in nature - everyone pitches in and does their part. Soloists are usually chosen from within the group and a dozen or more different solo voices are often heard in any one concert. Our highest goal is to create an intensely musical ensemble sound based on mutual trust and respect. We hope our commissions give something of lasting value to our community.

Awards and honors we've won

1998 Outstanding Arts Organization (Arts Council of the Morris Area)
1998 Performer at ACDA Eastern Convention, Providence RI
2000 Finalist, Chorus America ASCAP Programming Award
2003 Outstanding Arts Professional (Arts Council of the Morris Area)
Dr. Anne Matlack
2003 Outstanding Arts Advocates (Arts Council of the Morris Area)
Penny and David Hoadley
2003 Volunteers of Morris County Award
Randi Jermansen

HARMONIUM is affiliated with SPIRIT SONG TEXT (VIRTUAL ONLINE VERSE GOSPEL). Click on this box to see:



HARMONIUM is also affiliated with PALIMPSEST (HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION SITE). Click on this box to see:



You can hear more Harmonium tracks by clicking on the following links:

HARMONIUM SAMPLER I: HIGH SCHOOL CHORAL COMPOSITION CONTEST WINNERS


HARMONIUM SAMPLER II: CHORAL MUSIC FOR HARMONIUM BY MARK MILLER


HARMONIUM SAMPLER III: CHORAL FAVORITES IN HEBREW AND YIDDISH