Today is one of the most exciting moments of choral music! Two and a half years ago, Voices and I performed Honegger’s brilliant dramatic oratorio King David for the first time. It was very satisfying and inspiring to work on this unique piece. We were so fortunate to have the wonderful soprano Vanessa Vasquez as soloist and the great actor F. Murray Abraham as our Narrator. The oratorio tells the Biblical story of David, from his youth to his death. Here, in Part II, the scene covers David’s crowning and unification of Israel. There is a joyful dance of praise in front of the Ark of the Covenant. It builds and builds to one thrilling climax after another. Finally, a ray of peaceful sunshine appears in the beautiful concluding Alleluias.

– Dennis Keene, Artistic Director

ARTHUR HONEGGER “Dance Before the Ark” from King David

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director
Vanessa Vasquez, Soprano
F. Murray Abraham, Narrator

recorded live in concert January 25, 2018, Church of the Ascension
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.