What People Say About SFCA
“SFCA is a truly top-notch vocal ensemble … It’s only possible to achieve SFCA’s amazing blend, elegant sound, impeccable intonation, and compelling phrasing after many seasons of rehearsal and performances, and we all recognize the dedication and long-range vision behind your accomplishment.”
– Peter Jaffe, Artistic Director, Stockton Symphony Orchestra
What Critics Say
“… amongst the foremost unaccompanied singing groups … on this or any other coast”
— R. Dane Danubian, artssf.com
“… awash in gorgeous harmonies … the choir’s sound was exquisite, rich, and sensuous, with clear diction, beautiful phrasing, and a perfect blend … deeply beautiful and moving”
– Jonathan Russell, San Francisco Classical Voice; professor, San Francisco Conservatory of Music
http://www.sfcv.org/arts_revs/sfchoralartists_4_4_06.php
“The sound is appealing, warm, finely balanced, and most impressively, deliberately varied in tone to suit style or character”
– Robert Commanday, San Francisco Classical Voice
“The Choral Artists sang with fervor, discernment, and tonal beauty”
– Anna Carol Dudley, San Francisco Classical Voice
“a beautifully-sung concert notable for its variety, structure and content.”
– Frank Albinder, San Francisco Classical Voice
“… an imaginatively-chosen, challenging, and very beautifully sung program”
– Lisa Hirsch, San Francisco Classical Voice
“After the climactic ending, an audience member let out a “Yes! … highlight of a successful evening.”
– Robert Gable, aworks :: “new” american classical music
http://rgable.typepad.com/aworks/2006/03/inspired_by_lis.html
What Composers Say
“Over the years San Francisco Choral Artists has consistently maintained an enviable standard of excellence to which all other groups should aspire. We are indeed fortunate that they are here with us in the Bay Area.” – Wayne Peterson
“The Choral Artists’ singing … is truly exquisite in all ways. Fine intonation is consistently true, tempi are just right, tone is even, smooth and beautiful.” – Herbert Bielawa
“The Choral Artists performed some of my most difficult madrigals beautifully, with lovely tone, and with real understanding … They are a Bay Area treasure.” – Kirke Mechem
“Beautiful tone, clear articulation, and above all, unusually intelligent shaping of form — all of these characterize the Choral Artists” – Richard Felciano
“The choral composer’s dream choir. On a program filled with difficult new material that would have exhausted the rehearsal resources of a lesser ensemble, San Francisco Choral Artists delivered precise, musical and inspired performances of each composition.” – Ted Allen
“Your programs are like great musical meals … with many courses that form a satisfying whole.” – Henry Mollicone, composer and conductor
“… astonishing depth and interpretive range … a beacon in the Bay Area arts community.” – Martha Stoddard, conductor and composer
What Audiences Say
“In my opinion the finest choral group in the Bay Area.” (Oakland)
“I look forward to these concerts SO MUCH!” (Palo Alto)
“Adventurous, interesting, compelling, great variety!” (San Francisco – first-time audience member)
“Loved the new songs, the ecstatic mix of styles and emotions. It’s rare to have such fine musicianship, [and] the variety is glorious!” (Palo Alto – first-time audience member)
“One of the best choral concerts I have ever attended. Many pieces spoke to me, and all were executed with true care and respect. Thank you for inspiring me. I will remember this forever.” (San Francisco – first-time audience member)
“Great to hear new composers and old ones, too. Loved it all!” (Oakland – first-time audience member)
“This was so much fun!” (San Francisco)
“Well – the whole program was superb. Such lovely voices.” (Palo Alto – first-time audience member)
“Wonderful selections! Really enjoy the breadth of time periods and styles in the program.” (Oakland)
“SF Choral Artists is just the BEST. The Director is incredible!” (Palo Alto)
“Thank you – what a fabulous evening!” (San Francisco – first-time audience member)
“Wow!!” (San Francisco – first-time audience member)
“SFCA rocks!” (New York – Elaine Romanelli, singer alumna)