A superb programme of choral works based on or inspired by Psalms, with items from the 16th century and many new works specially commissioned by SDG Music Foundation as part of their worldwide Psalms Project. Delightfully varied including awesome arrangements of African-American spirituals as well as a range of contemporary works by composers from several […]

The major work here is the suite The Seven Heavens, for choir and chamber ensemble; also we have seven other marvellous choral pieces.. All are brilliantly performed by Cor Cantiamo, the accomplished and acclaimed professional ensemble which is the current Choir in Residence at Northern Illinois University, USA, under its founder and conductor Eric A […]

Illinois-based choir Cor Cantiamo has been selected to perform at the American Choral Directors’ Central/North Central Division convention next March. Also, the choir has been invited to be the group that premieres the ACDA Raymond Brock Commission Award winner. That is a singular honor for the choir and its conductor, Eric A. Johnson. The convention […]

British composer James Whitbourn is the subject of a forthcoming album performed by Cor Cantiamo to be released by Divine Art later this year. Stephen Sutton, CEO of Divine Art Recordings Group, remarks that even though he has worked with some of the most acclaimed choral composers of today such as Morten Lauridsen, he is highly impressed with the works […]

Beautiful and restrained choral works. As well as the inspiring title work, the album also includes seven pieces for choir, all brilliantly performed by Cor Cantiamo.

This is a rather wonderful album and will appeal both to people who like singing and choirs, and those who don’t care much about choirs but like nice music. It’s a rich album … meaty and heartfelt songs that were written to be performed for the Almighty.It’s a powerful CD … there’s much to appreciate.

Imaginative…attractive… deeply moving. The performances could hardly be improved upon. Diction is clear, the choral sound is very well blended, and the music-making is both musically and dramatically satisfying. In sum, this release is one of the most enjoyable collections of new choral music that I have encountered in quite some time.

I have admired James Whitbourn, I have admired Cor Cantiamo, and I really admire how they’ve have come together in this program. The composer’s personable notes and the inclusion of texts clinch the deal on an interesting and rewarding release.

Approachable, enjoyable and satisfying from first note to the last. There is much beauty in these pages. The listener will be inspired and moved. The performance by Cor Cantiamo is superb in every way.

Palestrina sounds terrific under [the choir’s] care, as do contemporary works. Not every work here is a masterpiece, but the choir does its commendable best to make them sound that way. Maestro Johnson is the Director of Choral Activities at Northern Illinois. He obviously knows what he’s doing.

This album is structured like a number of choral concerts of the present day: a variety of single pieces, with styles and centuries interleaved. When done well (as it is here), the result is a very enjoyable listening experience. Attractive performances of attractive pieces all around.

From one piece to another, the language surprises with its variety, even if it remains suggestive, accessible, consonant, generous. James Whitbourn knows how to communicate. remarkably interpreted… speaks to the heart and will conquer you.

Well-crafted and accessible… engaging performance.

This is a big programme of music to take in, the works themselves ambitious, with a big sound and big ideas. Mr Whitbourn is used writing music that needs to be both quickly absorbed and emotional or even inspiring. The album will please singers, as well as those who love the sound of a good choir.

Music making of a particularly high order. This CD provides a useful overview of James Whitbourn’s choral output… , these eminently practical works demonstrate a thoroughly accessible musical style. The quality of this disc is further enhanced by first rate performances and recording.