As we approach the in-person premiere of Astronautica: Voices of Women in Space we share selections from Astronautica composers as well as other composers from whom we’ve commissioned choral works over the years.

This gorgeous piece was composed by Dobrinka Tabakova for the Inauguration of the Manton Memorial Organ and was the 2011 winner of the Sorel Medallion.

These are the composer’s notes: “With this piece I wished to capture a feeling of anticipation and celebration, befitting the occasion of the inauguration of The Manton Memorial Organ. The text for this anthem was taken from ‘On the Nativity of Christ’ by the 15th century Scottish poet William Dunbar. I find the unique sound of the original text combined with the Latin phrases, which punctuate the poem, extremely appealing and evocative. They lend themselves so naturally to word painting. At the beginning, I wished to create a shimmering, light texture with the choir and let the organ add spark and definition. This way, I felt, a conversation could develop between the sung and the played. Increasingly throughout the piece, the material of the choir and the organ becomes more integrated, allowing the new organ to show off a variety of brilliant and deeper, rich colours. The line which eventually gave its name to the work inspired me to imagine the space and acoustics of the Church of Ascension.”

DOBRINKA TABAKOVA Syng, hevin imperiall

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director
Renée Anne Louprette, Organ

Recorded live, April 22, 2015, at Church of the Ascension
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.