The Ascending Voice II (2010) was an international symposium devoted exclusively to a cappella music in Christian worship. The symposium was of interest to university and church choir directors, musicologists, ethnomusicologists, theologians, church historians, singers, and anyone who cherishes sacred a cappella music.
Besides lectures and workshop presentations by the world's leading authorities on this rich style of worship, the symposium's daily concert lineup included performances by top collegiate choral groups; the internationally renowned Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble, and Chanticleer, a Grammy Award-winning male a cappella ensemble.
Sacred music is "a magnificent structure every participant helps build in mid-air, built out of air, out of the spirit and breath God gave us, and which we offer back to him in love."
-- Frederica Mathewes-Green
"We have a wonderful heritage. I think we will keep it only if we sing. We have to sing much more. We have to practice by doing it. Sing more. Keep singing. Sing. Sing. Sing. Sing before church. Sing during church. Sing after church. Just do it."
-- Mary Oyer
Choral Concert Series
Each day of The Ascending Voice II concluded with a concert at Pepperdine's Smothers Theatre.
Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble
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Chanticleer
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"Festival Choir with Alice Parker and Robert Page"
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2010 Psalmody Winners
The following composers and their psalm settings were selected for recognition at The Ascending Voice II symposium:
- Carol Crowder Phillips
O clap your hands all ye people (Psalm 47) - David Kenneth Smith
O that my words and thoughts honored You (Psalm 19) - Konstantin Zhigulin
How blessed are all those who do not walk in sin (Psalm 1)
[Text adapted by Mark Shipp]
