PARMA Artists Perform on NPR Tiny Desk Concerts

photo: Judith Clurman, Essential Voices USA

There are several stages around the world that come to mind when we think of a live concert, but perhaps one of the most iconic settings for musical performance in the modern day is recorded in an office in Washington DC for NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concerts.”

Eclectic knick knacks, books, and other decor line the shelves surrounding the space, an intimate and cozy room that fosters one-of-a-kind showcases of new music and a perfect setting for classical performances by today’s leading artists.

Several PARMA artists have entered the space over the years to share their classical music with the NPR staff and thousands of viewers online, and we’re pleased to share a few of their performances from the series.

The Crossing, Shara Nova, and TITRATION

TITRATION from The Crossing and Shara Nova offers a glimpse into various healing modalities while extending a hand of self-awareness to listeners alike. Styles converge, warm sounds emerge and voices soar next to laughter, humming, and the energy of Shara’s Indie band roots, with songs deeply inspired by Resmaa Menakem’s Somatic Abolitionist body of work and his call for communal practice. 

TITRATION is the 30th album release from the GRAMMY®-winning choral ensemble, whose history with PARMA/Navona Records spans over a decade of classical music releases.

“When the vocal ensemble The Crossing — also known as ‘America’s most astonishing choir’ — warmed up behind the Tiny Desk, it reminded me once again how joyful and powerful it can feel to sing together with a group of people.”

– Tom Huizenga, NPR

Judith Clurman and Essential Voices USA

Essential Voices USA, under the direction of EMMY®-nominated composer Judith Clurman, presents a stirring performance of uplifting songs built on speeches and writings by amazing women — First Ladies, Secretaries of State, Senators and Supreme Court Justices — who had strong visions of what America should be in this Tiny Desk concert.

Explore Clurman’s other releases with Essential Voices USA on Albany Records.

Matt Haimovitz and Christopher O’Riley

Pianist, arranger, collaborative artist, composer, educator, and media personality Christopher O’Riley follows his passions into a fractal array of innovative directions, ever striving for the truest and deepest human connection, through performance and collaboration. His NPR Tiny Desk performance with cellist Matt Haimovitz is a notable demonstration of these traits.

The duo brings to life works by Beethoven, Janáček, and Philip Glass, whose piece Facades (from Glassworks) (1981) was recently released on SECOND FLIGHT from Navona Records.

Glass’ work in this video, The Orchard, “unfolds like a lullaby, as the piano’s rocking bass line provides a mesmerizing foundation for the cello’s wistful song high above,” says NPR’s Tom Huizenga. “Surrounding it are lyricism and outbursts by Beethoven, from his Cello Sonata No. 4 (sounding distinctly 20th century), and a cinematic movement from Leoš Janáček’s Pohádka, where heart-melting melodies clash with nervous energy.”

Explore O’Riley’s latest classical album with Navona Records, THE WELL-TEMPERED CLAVIER, BOOK I.

Miguel Zenón and Spektral Quartet

MacArthur and Guggenheim fellow Miguel Zenón joins the formerly Chicago-based Spektral Quartet in his 2019 Tiny Desk performance, where they showcase works from their GRAMMY®-nominated album Yo Soy la Tradición, an immersive, concert-length work inspired by the musical heritage of Zenón’s native Puerto Rico.

“This is life-affirming music with curious twists and turns, expertly performed by amazingly talented musicians.”

– Felix Contreres, NPR

Explore Zenón’s GRAMMY®-nominated single with José A. Zayas Cabán, El País Invisible, on Navona Records.