testimonials
reviews
Translation of article published in Germany, Sept. 2016:
SUCCESSFULL PREMIERE – Charis Chamber Voices and Camerata Vocale make the audience enthusiastic!
The Camerata Vocale directed by Hans-Dieter Reinecke and Charis Chamber Voices from New York directed by Arthur Sjögren invited us for a shared concert in the Marktchurch. The full church got an excellent demonstration of how choral music on the highest level works.
The Americans presented themselves first with some samples of their repertoire, ranging from the 16th century to contemporary music. A lot of choral conductors can only dream of this: how the group reacted on the unbelievably light and breathing beat of Arthur Sjögren: a very fresh and clear sound, singers listened to each other and adapted their volume so they could hear each other in balance. On top of that absolute precision, constant eye contact with the conductor and well balanced transitions from the mightiest forte to the softest piano. Sjögren also managed to make his group sound beautifully, adapting to every musical style.
The same goes for the Camerata Vocale conducted by Hans-Dieter Reinecke. Also with this group the rule applied: when a choir manages to transform the “hand-speech” of the conductor so intensely, then one can say the choir has class and grandeur. It also became clear that both choirs come from different traditions – the Camerata Vocale had a rounder, nearly romantic choral sound.
For the last part of the concert the 2 choirs joined forces. Whether we refer to the beautiful interpretation of Mendelsohn’s Psalm 100 or to the Brahms“Warum ist das Licht,” or the slightly modern “Ave Maria” of Jeakko Mantyjarvi or the extremely succesfully brought Première of Fredrik Sixten’s “Seek Him” (commissioned by the 2 choirs from the composer who was present during the concert); this concert will be remembered as an extraordinary experience.
SUCCESSFULL PREMIERE – Charis Chamber Voices and Camerata Vocale make the audience enthusiastic!
The Camerata Vocale directed by Hans-Dieter Reinecke and Charis Chamber Voices from New York directed by Arthur Sjögren invited us for a shared concert in the Marktchurch. The full church got an excellent demonstration of how choral music on the highest level works.
The Americans presented themselves first with some samples of their repertoire, ranging from the 16th century to contemporary music. A lot of choral conductors can only dream of this: how the group reacted on the unbelievably light and breathing beat of Arthur Sjögren: a very fresh and clear sound, singers listened to each other and adapted their volume so they could hear each other in balance. On top of that absolute precision, constant eye contact with the conductor and well balanced transitions from the mightiest forte to the softest piano. Sjögren also managed to make his group sound beautifully, adapting to every musical style.
The same goes for the Camerata Vocale conducted by Hans-Dieter Reinecke. Also with this group the rule applied: when a choir manages to transform the “hand-speech” of the conductor so intensely, then one can say the choir has class and grandeur. It also became clear that both choirs come from different traditions – the Camerata Vocale had a rounder, nearly romantic choral sound.
For the last part of the concert the 2 choirs joined forces. Whether we refer to the beautiful interpretation of Mendelsohn’s Psalm 100 or to the Brahms“Warum ist das Licht,” or the slightly modern “Ave Maria” of Jeakko Mantyjarvi or the extremely succesfully brought Première of Fredrik Sixten’s “Seek Him” (commissioned by the 2 choirs from the composer who was present during the concert); this concert will be remembered as an extraordinary experience.
most recent Letters to charis
March 8, 2015
To my Friends in Charis: I have been coming to the Charis concerts since 1994 and have never been disappointed in the quality and sheer joy of listening to beautiful music. How lucky we are to have a group of chamber voices of your caliber in our community and performing at the Bedford Presbyterian Church with such wonderful acoustics. How fortunate to have Maestro Arthur Sjogren who is such a renowned Choral Director with an outstanding reputation both here and abroad. The concert last night featuring Bach and Handel was flawless and I look forward to Charis’ Spring Concert on Saturday, May 2nd. I am one of your most loyal and enthusiastic supporters and I appreciate the time and effort you put into each concert to ensure perfection. Suzy B. Pound Ridge |
April 3, 2015
We have always thoroughly enjoyed the concerts presented by the Charis Chamber Voices. Their voices perfectly blend into a highly professional rendition of beautiful choral works. In addition, Maestro Arthur Sjogren not only prepares an excellent program, but provides an introduction to each selection in which he explains its place in musical history and its relationship to the other works in the program. Finally these concerts are presented in lovely intimate settings which personalize the entire evenings performance. We find that each Charis concert is inspirational and even transcendent. Ted and Tracy |
charis 1995-1999
About our second CD, Hoping It Might Be So: Christmastide...[5 Stars] Beautiful singing!
I enjoyed this group's previous CD very much, but "Hoping It Might Be So" is even better -- the selection of pieces is unusual and the performances are exquisite. "The Oxen" is my favorite at the moment, although I also love "Quem Pastores" by James Bassi (Why haven't I heard of this composer before? Where have I been?). The choir has a gorgeous sound, and the harp accompaniments are simply lovely. I listen to Christmas music year-round, and I think this CD is going to get a lot of play! I highly recommend "Hoping It Might Be So" to anyone who loves fine choral music.Amazon Reviewer: Delia Handel from New York, NYYour chorus CD's are beautiful...one of the refrains in Latin? makes me weep. I still have them in the car and have played the Christmas one over and over. I am playing the other now and The Chanticleer have nothing on your group, positively beautiful music! thank you. I will go to the website and donate something to you all.Carol Mullins, CD purchaser, Evanston, IL
About our first CD, From Sorrow Free...This beautiful recording reflects the spirit of the nation in vocal expressions ranging from traditional ballads to songs of Ives and Copland. The varied arrangements and use of the voices in contrasting textures and moods offer the aficionado of American vocal music many special gems. Charis (which in Greek means "grace") is a small vocal ensemble, conducted by Susanne Peck, noted for its purity of tone and careful blending of the voices. With its excellent, insightful program notes, From Sorrow Free adds a welcome dimension to the understanding and enjoyment of America's rich vocal repertoire.Dr. Elise K. Kirk, author of American Opera from Washington, DCSusanne Peck, an outstanding singer and gifted conductor, has developed Charis into a superb vocal ensemble whose achievements reflect the high standards and inspired musicianship of its talented leader.Michael Jaffee, Director of the Waverly Consort and Founding President of Chamber Music AmericaThe wonderfully performed selections amply demonstrate the superb blending and high musicality that Charis has developed.Dennis Keene, Director, Voices of Ascension[5 Stars]
A fitting title for the lyrics and music in this soothing CD. I listened to it on a long drive to celebrate Christmas with family members. Excellent choral performances by skilled musicians. I'll enjoy it for years to come.Amazon Reviewer: Karen Kegley, Clinton, MS[5 Stars]
This is the most heavenly sounding music that I can't stop playing.Amazon Reviewer: Linda S. Kim, Katonah, NY
In November, 1999, the Enterprise of Hastings, NY ran a letter from Hubert B. Herring (who writes for the New York Times) in which he speaks of an"astoundingly wonderful" event in Dobbs Ferry when "the choral group Charis will perform. If you have never heard this group, you have missed out on a rare, wondrous musical treat.".
Recognized for "imaginative programming, good choral singing, and intelligent conducting" (Francis Brancaleone, Gannett Newspapers, November 19, 1997), this 24-voice vocal chamber ensemble is becoming increasingly well known for its rich sound and the clarity of its vocal lines. Mr. Brancaleone called the November, 1997 concert of eight-part Baroque masterpieces "a connoisseur's concert, tastefully rendered" in which "new life was breathed into this early music." An experienced voice teacher and an accomplished musician with a natural gift for conducting, Ms. Peck's ability to select interesting and harmonically rich music continues to attract singers and music lovers throughout the tri-state region.
"Susanne Peck has a good ear for blend and has selected her singers accordingly...The success of the performance was a product not only of technique and preparation, but of understanding...a connoisseur's concert." according to the Gannett Newspapers November, 18, 1997.
Michael Jaffee, director of the Waverly Consort, attended Charis's spring performance -- Sweet May - Songs from the Twelfth to the Twentieth Century Composed by Women. He commented on "the beautifully programmed and performed concert: interesting repertory, scrupulous attention to diction, intonation, and phrasing, and [the group's] passionate involvement in the music, which is so often missing in fully professional choirs." Michael Jaffee also commented on Ms. Peck's skills as a choral conductor, saying she "possesses in abundance the musical and leadership skills that qualify her for the role of conductor: a thorough knowledge of the technique of singing, an ability to identify and prepare repertory of high quality suitable to the abilities of her singers, and an enthusiasm for the music."
Dennis Keene, director of Voices of Ascension, feels that Charis is "one of the area's finest vocal chamber ensembles. The group's blended sound, their musicality, and their attention to technique make Charis a welcome and respected addition in the tri-state region. In addition to being an exceptional singer and teacher, Ms. Peck has also surfaced as a gifted new conductor, whose respect and enthusiasm for the music is communicated both to her performers and to the audience."
James Carr, one of the composers whose work was commissioned by Charis, feels that "Susanne Peck and her group are exceptional. Ms. Peck is a natural leader. She is certainly one of the most gifted young choral conductors in the New York Area today. Her unique musical skills are complemented by a keen educated intelligence and a truly charismatic personality. Her choral conducting skills flow naturally from her experience as a singer, her strong balletic physicality, and her solid musical training ... During the last three years I have heard her produce concert after concert of motivated and beautiful music making of an extremely high order, both technically and interpretively. These concerts featured challenging modern American music, some of which, including a work of mine, Charis commissioned. Clearly, Charis consists of a group of uniquely committed people with a talent and deep passion for serious new music making."
I enjoyed this group's previous CD very much, but "Hoping It Might Be So" is even better -- the selection of pieces is unusual and the performances are exquisite. "The Oxen" is my favorite at the moment, although I also love "Quem Pastores" by James Bassi (Why haven't I heard of this composer before? Where have I been?). The choir has a gorgeous sound, and the harp accompaniments are simply lovely. I listen to Christmas music year-round, and I think this CD is going to get a lot of play! I highly recommend "Hoping It Might Be So" to anyone who loves fine choral music.Amazon Reviewer: Delia Handel from New York, NYYour chorus CD's are beautiful...one of the refrains in Latin? makes me weep. I still have them in the car and have played the Christmas one over and over. I am playing the other now and The Chanticleer have nothing on your group, positively beautiful music! thank you. I will go to the website and donate something to you all.Carol Mullins, CD purchaser, Evanston, IL
About our first CD, From Sorrow Free...This beautiful recording reflects the spirit of the nation in vocal expressions ranging from traditional ballads to songs of Ives and Copland. The varied arrangements and use of the voices in contrasting textures and moods offer the aficionado of American vocal music many special gems. Charis (which in Greek means "grace") is a small vocal ensemble, conducted by Susanne Peck, noted for its purity of tone and careful blending of the voices. With its excellent, insightful program notes, From Sorrow Free adds a welcome dimension to the understanding and enjoyment of America's rich vocal repertoire.Dr. Elise K. Kirk, author of American Opera from Washington, DCSusanne Peck, an outstanding singer and gifted conductor, has developed Charis into a superb vocal ensemble whose achievements reflect the high standards and inspired musicianship of its talented leader.Michael Jaffee, Director of the Waverly Consort and Founding President of Chamber Music AmericaThe wonderfully performed selections amply demonstrate the superb blending and high musicality that Charis has developed.Dennis Keene, Director, Voices of Ascension[5 Stars]
A fitting title for the lyrics and music in this soothing CD. I listened to it on a long drive to celebrate Christmas with family members. Excellent choral performances by skilled musicians. I'll enjoy it for years to come.Amazon Reviewer: Karen Kegley, Clinton, MS[5 Stars]
This is the most heavenly sounding music that I can't stop playing.Amazon Reviewer: Linda S. Kim, Katonah, NY
In November, 1999, the Enterprise of Hastings, NY ran a letter from Hubert B. Herring (who writes for the New York Times) in which he speaks of an"astoundingly wonderful" event in Dobbs Ferry when "the choral group Charis will perform. If you have never heard this group, you have missed out on a rare, wondrous musical treat.".
Recognized for "imaginative programming, good choral singing, and intelligent conducting" (Francis Brancaleone, Gannett Newspapers, November 19, 1997), this 24-voice vocal chamber ensemble is becoming increasingly well known for its rich sound and the clarity of its vocal lines. Mr. Brancaleone called the November, 1997 concert of eight-part Baroque masterpieces "a connoisseur's concert, tastefully rendered" in which "new life was breathed into this early music." An experienced voice teacher and an accomplished musician with a natural gift for conducting, Ms. Peck's ability to select interesting and harmonically rich music continues to attract singers and music lovers throughout the tri-state region.
"Susanne Peck has a good ear for blend and has selected her singers accordingly...The success of the performance was a product not only of technique and preparation, but of understanding...a connoisseur's concert." according to the Gannett Newspapers November, 18, 1997.
Michael Jaffee, director of the Waverly Consort, attended Charis's spring performance -- Sweet May - Songs from the Twelfth to the Twentieth Century Composed by Women. He commented on "the beautifully programmed and performed concert: interesting repertory, scrupulous attention to diction, intonation, and phrasing, and [the group's] passionate involvement in the music, which is so often missing in fully professional choirs." Michael Jaffee also commented on Ms. Peck's skills as a choral conductor, saying she "possesses in abundance the musical and leadership skills that qualify her for the role of conductor: a thorough knowledge of the technique of singing, an ability to identify and prepare repertory of high quality suitable to the abilities of her singers, and an enthusiasm for the music."
Dennis Keene, director of Voices of Ascension, feels that Charis is "one of the area's finest vocal chamber ensembles. The group's blended sound, their musicality, and their attention to technique make Charis a welcome and respected addition in the tri-state region. In addition to being an exceptional singer and teacher, Ms. Peck has also surfaced as a gifted new conductor, whose respect and enthusiasm for the music is communicated both to her performers and to the audience."
James Carr, one of the composers whose work was commissioned by Charis, feels that "Susanne Peck and her group are exceptional. Ms. Peck is a natural leader. She is certainly one of the most gifted young choral conductors in the New York Area today. Her unique musical skills are complemented by a keen educated intelligence and a truly charismatic personality. Her choral conducting skills flow naturally from her experience as a singer, her strong balletic physicality, and her solid musical training ... During the last three years I have heard her produce concert after concert of motivated and beautiful music making of an extremely high order, both technically and interpretively. These concerts featured challenging modern American music, some of which, including a work of mine, Charis commissioned. Clearly, Charis consists of a group of uniquely committed people with a talent and deep passion for serious new music making."