May 19, 2019

The Young People’s Chorus of New York City culminates the third season of Vocal Resolutions: Shaping Perceptions through Music –  an initiative that uses singing as a catalyst for cultural exploration and mutual understanding –  with a concert, centering on this year’s theme of “balance.”

In partnership with the Shallaway Youth Choir of Newfoundland, the concert is curated by 2019 Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Ellen Reid and YPC Artistic Director Francisco Núñez and will be highlighted by the world premiere of Ms. Reid’s So Much on My Soul,  a YPC commission on the theme, to be premiered by both of the evening’s choirs.

In addition to individual sets by YPC and Shallaway, the program also features Ms. Reid’s percussion work Fear | Release performed by Mantra Percussion, as well as a performance by YPC and Mantra of her cover of The Books’ Take Time .

When Francisco J. Núñez asked me to write a piece about “balance” for the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, he was quick to specify that the lyrics for my piece could come from anywhere and that I could interpret the word however I saw fit.  After meeting with the YPC musicians, it became clear that the most compelling texts were the choristers’ own personal stories. It felt important for the piece to have cycles and repeating gestures, as the journey to self-acceptance and balance is both cyclical and endless.

– Ellen Reid

Major support for Vocal Resolutions is provided by The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation. The Lead Corporate Sponsor for Balancing Bubbles is Travelers.

“So Much on My Soul” was commissioned by YPC with support from The Adele and John Gray Endowment Fund. Special thanks to The ASCAP Foundation, Alice M. Ditson Fund of Columbia University, and Amphion Foundation for supporting new music commissions and performances, and the Witherspoon Fund of the New York Community Trust for supporting new work by female composers.

Young People’s Chorus of New York City

Ellen Reid
Credit:James Matthew Daniel

Shallaway Youth Choir

Venue:
Gerald W. Lynch Theater

Tickets:
$15 to $25

Ticketing services provided by Ticket Central, 212 279-4200, Noon to 8pm Daily.

www.TicketCentral.com.