James Whitbourn: The Seven Heavens (Chamber Version) & Other Works

Featuring

Eric Johnson
Cor Cantiamo
James Whitbourn

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Composer Biography

James Whitbourn, the composer, is a GRAMMY-nominated artist described as 'a truly original communicator in modern British choral music' by The Observer.

Performer Biography

Eric A. Johnson, the conductor, is the founding Artistic Director of Cor Cantiamo and Director of Choral Activities at Northern Illinois University.

Compositional Technique

The sung text of The Seven Heavens primarily uses lines from the Orphic hymns, translated by Thomas Taylor, alongside texts from Shakespeare, Joseph Addison, and C. S. Lewis.

Composition History

The chamber version of The Seven Heavens, featured on this album, was commissioned by Cor Cantiamo and premiered in November 2016 at Northern Illinois University.

Composition History

The Seven Heavens, a musical portrait of C. S. Lewis, was initially commissioned by the Belfast Philharmonic and Ulster Orchestra for a celebratory concert in 2015.

Performer Biography

Cor Cantiamo is a professional chamber choir and ensemble-in-residence at Northern Illinois University School of Music, known for collaborating with contemporary composers.

Composer's Artistic Vision

The Seven Heavens is a musical portrait of C. S. Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, portrayed through the imagery of the medieval planets.