photo: Kühn Choir of Prague with soprano Bree Nichols
November brought a wide range of new classical music to the recording studio, with works for brass, clarinet, orchestra, choir, and more from several modern composers. Dive in below for a look at our latest classical recording sessions with PARMA artists.
Chamber Music Sessions at Studio Martínek
This month’s run of productions in the Czech Republic began at Studio Martínek with composer Ferdinado DeSena, who brought his piece JSB to the studio to round out selections for his upcoming album of classical chamber music with Navona Records.
DeSena’s piece for flute, violin, and saxophone was recorded by Oto Reiprich, Lukáš Dittrich, and Kateřina Krejčová, all members of the esteemed Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.
A week later, the team regrouped at Studio Martínek to welcome composer Melissa D’Albora for the recording of her piece for solo horn, Remembrance. Recorded by esteemed soloist and Belfiato Quintet member Kateřina Javůrková, the piece will be released in the upcoming third installment of Navona Records’ BRASS TACKS series.
Stream BRASS TACKS VOL I and II today from Navona Records.
Contemporary Composers and the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra
Sessions continued in Ostrava at Vesmír Concert Hall with several California-based composers, some of whom travelled overseas to see their works come to life in real time.
First up to bat was composer Jenni Brandon and clarinetist Jeremy Reynolds, who were gearing up to record a concerto for clarinet and orchestra with the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra, to be released alongside a set of solo clarinet and clarinet duo works to round out the upcoming Navona Records album.
“Jan and his team at the session were really stellar,” said Brandon.
“Jiri was so well prepared and really understood the work, and that was wonderful. It truly was a whirlwind – there was so much happening but Jan was masterful at keeping everything moving forward.”
Reynolds had a similar experience with the team and the orchestra, and shared his thoughts with us.
“It was such a delight to hear the sound of the orchestra grow into this wall of sound that brought Jenni’s music to life. It was exactly what I had imagined with the music recreating the sounds of the water and all the life forms that live in that part of the world. The colors they created, the musical lines that the musicians brought out, was just wonderful.”
– Jeremy Reynolds, clarinetist
Following Reynolds and Brandon was composer Matthew Hetz, who tuned in over zoom to watch as his String Symphony No. 3 came to life with the JFO.
The team’s string of sessions with the JFO concluded with composer Lawrence Mumford, who brought his fourth symphony, The Race Before Us, to the studio.
“This has been one of the most exciting and satisfying experiences of my musical life,” Mumford said, following the session.
“I am consistently impressed with, and even amazed by, the JFO’s ability to perform, at tempo, virtually anything that I write… This group was able to make a high-quality recording very quickly.”
– Lawrence Mumford, composer
Sacred Choral Works with Kühn Choir of Prague
The team rounded out November sessions with choral works selected from our recent Featured Recording Opportunity with the Kühn Choir of Prague.
Under the direction of conductor Jakub Pikla and joined by soprano soloist Bree Nichols, the ensemble gave a stirring performance of composer Sheli Nan’s Requiem for the Ancestors, to be released on the next installment of CELESTIAL VOICES from Navona Records.
“This was my first time making music with the Kühn Choir, and it was a pleasure to be surrounded by the positive and friendly atmosphere that they brought to the recording session.”
– Bree Nichols, soprano
