ECS Publishing Group Blog and News

The VOCES8 Foundation Series celebrates and cultivates diverse musical expression. Curated by VOCES8 co-founders Paul and Barnaby Smith, alongside members of the ensemble, series repertoire is intended to support the Foundation’s mission of ‘Music Education for All’ as well as to inspire both musicians and audiences to share the joy of singing.

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Delve into the rich history and inspiration behind this collection, spanning three decades of musical excellence. Hobby discusses the inception of the collection of 24 meticulously crafted pieces, which spans back to 1990, and the motivations behind creating these hymns. He shares insights into the process of composing and selecting hymns for the compilation, highlighting the importance of making them accessible and engaging for organists of varying skill levels.

The interview features Kelly Dobbs Micus, Catholic editor for MorningStar Music, and composer Luke Mayernik, focusing on his recently published work, "Missa de Octava" (Mass of the Eighth Day). Mayernik shares his journey into music, drawn by the sounds of the organ during church visits with his grandparents. He discusses his composition process, influenced by his experiences and inspirations, including winning the VOCES8 Composition Competition with a setting of William Blake's "Little Lamb Who Made Thee." Mayernik elaborates on the significance of "Missa de Octava," which he composed weeks during Holy Week, expressing his spiritual conflicts and aspirations through music. The conversation explores the versatility of Mayernik’s compositions across denominations and their impact on liturgical worship. Additionally, Mayernik discusses his "Five Graces Psalter" Psalm collection and the joy he finds in witnessing musicians' interpretations of his work.

Check out our fresh new releases- ready for your graduation ceremonies!

Read the reviews by Thom DeLessio.

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Gerald Near is considered one of the finest composers of church music writing today. He first studied theory and composition at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago with Leo Sowerby, and continued those studies with Leslie Bassett at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. While at the University of Michigan, he also studied organ with Robert Glasgow, published organ and choral music, and completed his Master's degree in orchestral conducting while studying under Gustav Meier.

We are pleased to announce next season’s Carnegie Hall performance of Kyle Pederson's A Vision Unfolding

As we continue to reflect upon the untimely passing of Charles Callahan, we thought it would be appropriate to share this interview in which Dr. Stephen Hamilton and Mark Lawson discuss some of his newer organ collections.