The three world-premiere choral recordings on this album represent the enduring commitment of Musica Viva NY’s artistic director, Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, to perform new works by living composers. Richard Einhorn’s The Luminous Ground is a deeply reflective and spiritually engaging work, while Gilda Lyons’s brilliantly written Momotombo is inspired by the spectacular volcanic landscape of Nicaragua. Joseph Turrin’s Crimson Roses Once Again Be Fair is a moving cantata that marks the centenary of the First World War Armistice in November of 1918 – the piece is dedicated to those who bravely fought and died, forever enshrined in history.

Appearing here in its Naxos debut, Musica Viva NY is a chamber choir based in Manhattan’s historic All Souls Church. Its mission is to bring world-class music to ever-widening audiences through its annual concert series and other activities, and this recording is in line with this ambitious artistic vision. Conductor and artistic director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez wholeheartedly believes in these three phenomenal compositions and, through this recording project, aims to encourage organisations around the globe to include them in their repertoire in order to extend their reach.

This recording is the culmination of a ten-year journey and, in addition to the renowned Musica Viva NY Choir and Orchestra, we are thrilled to welcome the internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, who takes the solo in Joseph Turrin’s cantata. Soprano Erinn Sensenig is a regular soloist with choirs and ensembles in New York, having recently performed as soprano soloist on the Poulenc Gloria with Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church Chamber Choir, and as soprano soloist in the Schubert Mass in G with Musica Viva NY.