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News / BYCA Notes ArchiveFall 2004
John Adams' On the Transmigration of Souls, released by Nonesuch Records, August 31, 2003 Capturing the live world premiere performances in September 2002 of John Adams' On the Transmigration of Souls, this CD features the New York Philharmonic, Brooklyn Youth Chorus and New York Choral Artists, conducted by Lorin Maazel. This haunting 25-minute work was co-commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center 's Great Performers Series “in honor of the heroes and in memory of the victims of the attacks of September 11, 2001 .” The work, with text drawn from victims' names and missing persons notices, mixed with New York City street noises, went on to win the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Music. The impact on BYC choristers was tremendous. Said Jordan Banks, “I will never be the same again having heard this piece of music.” Positive critical reviews for both the live performances and this recording included high praise for the Chorus. Time Out New York commented that, “…his {Maazel's] forces respond with utter security, imbuing the music with an awed clarity.” Philip Glass' The Music of Undertow, Released by Orange Mountain Music, November, 2004 “The Brooklyn Youth Chorus did a superb rendition of the vocals composed for them. I can't imagine a finer interpretation than the one their recording provided.” – Philip Glass The Brooklyn Youth Chorus first worked with composer Philip Glass in October 2002 in performing the American premiere of his Symphony No. 5 with the Brooklyn Philharmonic under the baton of Dennis Russell Davies. It was a pivotal performance that firmly established BYC as a top-tier ensemble that could be counted on for the highest levels of artistry and professionalism. It was therefore an honor that Mr. Glass came back to BYC When a children's chorus was needed for Philip Glass' film score, BYC was the clear choice. After BYC's performance in the American premiere of Glass' Symphony No. 5 with the Brooklyn Philharmonic, he knew we could be counted on for the highest levels of artistry and professionalism. The film Undertow relates a very dark story of two young boys pursued by a murderous uncle in search of their father's treasure. Glass felt the score needed to reflect the boys innocence and their terrifying ordeal. His score combines a crystalline string orchestration, the purity of the children's voices and the grittiness of the didgeridoo, creating a mix of mystery, sensitivity and grunge. Directed by David Gordon Green, Undertow was premiered at the Film Society of Lincoln Center's New York Film Festival on October 2, 2004 .
"It was a great thrill to perform at Radio City with the fabulous young singers of the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Their tremendous talent and enthusiasm made our New York concerts very special and brought the audience to their feet." – Elton John Elton John's five-show debut appearance at Radio City Music Hall this summer was an extraordinary opportunity for the Brooklyn Youth Chorus: our 62-voice choir ( Concert and Alumni Divisions) sang back-up vocals, rounding out a grand musical cast – Elton plus a full symphony orchestra (musicians from New York 's Juilliard School and London 's Royal Academy of Music). To achieve the needed compliment of mixed voices (treble voices plus changed male voices), BYC enlisted 21 chorus alumni as well as singers from the NYCHA Youth Chorus and Professional Performing Arts High School, creating an augmented Brooklyn Youth Chorus. The Chorus backed Elton on many of his greatest hits including: Tiny Dancer, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Border Song, Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting, Burn Down the Mission, Holiday Inn, Levon, Madman Across the Water, and the premiere of a new song, Freaks in Love The first day of rehearsal was a giddy reunion as former and current choristers excitedly greeted each other and reminisced about BYC. Choristers found it an unbelievable experience. Former chorister George Papas said, “He's someone you want to learn from about how to be a musician. He's the epitome of a superstar.” 2003 graduate Gillian Delucia seconded, “It's a once in a lifetime experience and is a great privilege and honor…If it wasn't for BYC this wouldn't be possible.” Reviewers applauded BYC as well, stating that the chorus “…sent chills down your spine…” and “thrilled the crowd”. Even Barbara Walters commented on her show “The View” about the “fabulous chorus.” Read reviews
On September 13, 2003 -- BYC 's Concert Chorus presented the second ever performance in Zankel Hall, and the first in the Carnegie Hall Family Concert Series -- a full length program, “My Voice is My Instrument.” Narrated by Storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston, the program explored the great diversity of choral music and the many sounds and effects possible with the human voice. The Chorus performed Vivaldi's duet “Laudamus Te,” Gloria, Berkey's fun “6 Pence” and Grau's South American tinged “El viento” (“The Wind”), and premiered two new works: “now” by Daniel Brewbaker based on an E.E. Cummings poem, and Kirk Nurock's honky-tonk jazz number “Grandma Danced the Minuet.” Despite the rain outside, there were sunny smiles in the Hall, as BYCA helped introduce a new generation to the beauty of children's choral music. The New York Times ' Anthony Tommasini described the “bright voices” of the Chorus as “impressive,” and the program as a mixture of the “contemplative with the funky.”
Electives allow students to develop and showcase their talents as individuals . Last year, Musical Theater students debuted at BYC A's annual Voices of Harmony gala and spring concerts, delighting audiences with selections from Gypsy and Fiddler on the Roof . In 2003, Vocal Jazz Workshop students helped shape the improvisation sections of Kirk Nurock's honky-tonk jazz commission Grandma Danced the Minuet . BYCA's elective program plays an important role in preparing choristers for college by providing training and coaching for auditions as well as helping meet requirements for basic theory and keyboard skills. Through BYC A's Voice Fellowship program, talented and motivated High School students receive scholarships for private lessons, participate in New York City Opera's audition workshops, and receive college guidance. In the near future, BYC A's elective program will be extended to include graduates and alumni, allowing them to continue to receive the high quality musical training that they enjoyed as choristers.
On Monday evening, May 24 th , BYCA's annual Voices of Harmony gala at the Brooklyn Museum brought together fans and supporters to celebrate the Chorus's commitment to Artistry, Diversity and Community. Amid fragrant lilacs, guests enjoyed an enchanting concert, a delightful dinner and very attractive Silent Auction. In her inimitable style, Actress Rosie Perez emceed the Gala. Choristers, under the direction of Founder and Artistic Director Dianne Berkun, presented varied selections, both classical and modern, in three different languages, and two new commissioned works – “birdsong,” a three-movement suite by Daniel Brewbaker based on the poetry of E. E. Cummings, and “But Soft…” a dramatic setting of text from Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet.” In addition to the choral fare, Music Theater class members charmed the audience with “Matchmaker” from Fiddler on the Roof, and Voice Fellow Jasmine Thomas peformed the art song “O del mio dolce ardor” by Gluck. Hannah Brodlie, another Fellowship recipient, described how BYCA has enhanced her own life both musically and socially. “I toured Russia when I was 11. I competed in Germany when I was twelve. I learned that I had strengths I never knew I had. I have access to the most amazing resources I could imagine…I take music lab as well as Musical Theater class…BYC turns you into a musician. We can all be pretty critical of ourselves, but at the end of the day, we know our chorus is pretty darn good.” Gala proceeds provide nearly 25% of the Academy's operating revenue. With a boost from the exotic silent auction and a special scholarship drive, gala benefit funds helped BYCA to maintain its policy of admitting all qualified students regardless of ability to pay, and bridging the gap between our annual $750 tuition and the actual per student cost of nearly $3,500.
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“The performances are not only heartfelt, but amazingly expert…” – NJ.com 
Cut from the bedrock of New York City , Carnegie Hall's newest performing space, Zankel Hall, is an organic addition to one of the world's most famous venues. BYC A was honored to be invited to perform in the two-week inaugural festival that featured such diverse performers as Youssou N'Dour, the Emerson String Quartet with Emanuel Ax, Randy Newman, Yo-Yo Ma and the Assads, the Met Chamber Orchestra, the Orchestra of Fes and Anna Deavere Smith. 
One advantage of BYCA's new, renovated Pacific Street facility is having the space to develop and grow our electives program. Since 2002, enrollment in elective classes has more than doubled and 20% of BYC A choristers now supplement their choral education with specialized music classes and private lessons. Electives such as Musicianship Lab, now offered in two levels, helps students improve skills in sight-singing, ear training, dictation, theory and analysis. Musical Theater classes enable students at varying levels to learn dramatic interpretation, character building, and most importantly, how to perform a role on stage. 