Children of Light, with Luke McEndarfer and Sharon Farber

Choir Ninja, with Ryan Guth

Some of our episodes are inspirational in nature, and some are instructive. This one is both. You can’t help but be amazed by what the National Children’s Chorus is doing with their 800 students in 18 ensembles based in 3 major cities. Artistic Director Luke McEndarfer discusses what is ahead for this world-class chorus. But also, you get to hear the logistics behind commissioning an original work. Emmy nominated composer Sharon Farber describes her collaboration with the NCC, and discusses the upcoming premiere of “Children of Light.” And listen all the way to the end, because Luke and Sharon unlock the key elements of a successful chorus!

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Highlight to Tweet: “Children of peace and grace, their song...unlocks the aching heart of the world.” - Sharon Farber

“Joy and desire are where we start for everything.” - Luke McEndarfer

Show Notes:

• Part of the mission of the National Children’s Chorus is to commission new works for children’s chorus.
• Most recent commission was completed by noted composer Sharon Farber.
• NCC Season - “Winter Dream” performances coming up, featuring concepts of darkness and light. How children can remain a light in the world through music.
• Commissioning a work that goes along with this theme: why Sharon was interested in this collaboration. How she approached writing this new piece, “Children of Light”, in Hebrew.
• Compositional styles and considerations taken when writing for children.
• Plans for world and East Coast premieres at Royce Hall in LA and Lincoln Center in NYC this December.
• Why it’s important to create new quality works for children by living composers.
• Most important qualities for a chorister are joy in singing and a strong desire to be there.
• Most important qualities in a conductor are skill in the art of conducting, experience playing an instrument, engaging personality, love of music.

Bio:

The National Children’s Chorus of the United States, under the leadership of Artistic Director Luke McEndarfer, is quickly establishing itself as one of the world’s leading treble choruses, with nearly 700 students in 18 ensembles, based in Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Collaborating with some of the finest music companies in the nation, the group has performed live with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera Company, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Joffrey Ballet, Kronos String Quartet, New York City Master Chorale and American Youth Symphony, among others. Its groundbreaking Season 2017/18, entitled Building Bridges, features exquisite repertoire including notable commissions and premieres at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Royce Hall, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. In July of 2018, the chorus will make its 4th major international tour to Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary.

Resources/links Mentioned:

• National Children’s Chorus on Facebook
• National Children’s Chorus on Instagram
• Sharon Farber
• Choir Nahttp://sharonfarber.comtion group on Facebook
• Email Patreon - Support the podcast!

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