The Choral Project facts for kids
The Choral Project is a mixed-voice choir based in San Jose, California. It was started in 1996 by its artistic director and conductor, Daniel D. Hughes. The group's main goal is to "heal our world through music and words." They also aim to connect people through their performances, education, and excellent music.
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What Kind of Music Do They Sing?
The Choral Project sings many different types of music. Their songs range from old classical composers like Bach, Debussy, and Brahms to modern composers. Some modern composers they perform include Kirke Mechem, Rene Clausen, Michael Ostrzyga, Stephen Jackson, and Eric Whitacre.
Where Have They Performed?
This choir has performed in many famous places. They have sung in Washington D.C.'s National Cathedral and San Francisco's Mission Dolores Basilica. They have also performed at Mission Santa Clara de Asís and Santa Cruz' Holy Cross Church.
The Choral Project has also toured internationally. They have performed in England, Scotland, Wales, Costa Rica, and Mexico. During their 2001 tour, they even appeared live on Mexican National Radio.
Awards and Competitions
The Choral Project has won awards in several competitions. In 2004, they competed in Wales at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. They earned second place in the Mixed Choir division.
In 2007, they competed at the California International Choral Festival & Competition. They were up against six choirs from around the world. The Choral Project won first place in the Choir's Choice category. They also took second place in the Required Music category and third in the Folk Music category.
Music for Important Causes
Every year, The Choral Project dedicates one concert to a special social issue. This helps to bring attention to important topics. For example, in February 2017, the choir performed a piece called Street Requiem. They performed with mezzo soprano Frederica von Stade. This concert helped to highlight the issue of people experiencing homelessness.
The artistic director, Daniel Hughes, explained the piece. He said it talks about what it's like to live on the streets. It also asks the audience, "Why do you ignore me when you leave the concert hall?"
Their Albums
The Choral Project has released eight albums so far. These albums share their beautiful music with a wider audience. Their albums include:
- The Cycle of Life
- Of Christmastide
- Americana
- Water & Light (their best-selling album)
- Winter
- One is the All
- Tell the World
- Yuletide (a collection of holiday songs)
They also performed on a recording with the San José Chamber Orchestra. This recording was for a dramatic oratorio called Choose Life, Uvacharta Bachayim. It was created by composer Mona Lyn Reese and writer Delores Dufner, OSB.
Helping the Community
The Choral Project is also a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This means they are dedicated to helping the community. They have several outreach programs:
- They offer a choral mentorship program for local high school students.
- They perform together with visiting choirs.
- They hold an annual Choral Composition Contest for high school and college students.
